Ask The Fit Fem: How Do I Tone My Stomach

Q: I am in the tail end of my 30's and before I began the routine I am on now, I had not done any type of exercising in about 20 years. Sad I know, but I am being honest. I have lost nearly 95 pounds and have been with a personal trainer in Brooklyn the last couple of months. It's hard, challenging and demanding, but I have been sticking to it and I'm starting to slowly see some results of the exercising in certain areas. One area  that I cannot seem to breakthrough on is my belly, in particular my lower stomach. It's still pretty loose and flabby. My sides are a lot harder and toned and my love handles are gone. Doing things like planks and side planks have really helped that area, but the front of my stomach cannot get hard. What am I doing wrong ? What else can I do that I am not doing ? I appreciate any type of insight or help that you could offer in this situation.

 

 

A: Are you eating clean, are you hydrating properly? Are you constantly in stress mode?? Are you sleeping enough? All of these factors contribute to belly fat unfortunately.  Here are a few basic guidelines you need to follow:

1. Eat whole foods, no processed or sugary foods. Stay away from high glycemic carbohydrates like white pasta, bread and rice.
2. Eat foods that are considered healthy fats (of course in moderation) - salmon, almonds, avocado, coconut water/milk, etc. And take omega supplements--healthy fats decrease inflammation in the body.
3. Drink plenty of water. It will flush out the toxins in the body.
4. Avoid alcohol
5. Get eight hours of sleep. You want interrupted sleep because that activates the growth hormone and moderates leptin in your body. It's really all hormonal, particularly fat around the abdomen.
6. Decrease your stress level both emotional and physical. STRESS is dangerous!!! It's really cortisol (hormones again) causing belly fat and it just throws your body out of wack. Balance your body by balancing your mind. Sounds cheesy, but it's very true.
7. Continue to exercise and  don't give up. The key is consistency, over time that part of your body will shrink, I promise. It may take some time (longer than expected) but stick to it.

 

Well there you have it! You know what to do, now get to it!  Flatten that belly baby!!

 

Keeping the fun in fitness!

Your Fit Fem personal trainer and expert in women's only fitness,

Syl