Belly fat won't budge

[ChrisLawrence]

I work out (hard) 5-7 hrs per week, including classes of cardio, interval training, yoga & bootcamp. I keep changing it up to create muscle confusion and my arms, legs & core are strong. I wear a heart rate monitor during class. Yet, I have so much fat in my torso area. My diet is good. Nothing will make this fat around my middle go away. Help! I'm sick of looking fat and yet I'm fit. What does it take?? BTW, I'm a 52 yr old female.

[Eric Velazquez]

Hi, Chris. This is a pretty common question, so you're not alone. It sounds like you have the right idea -- tough workouts and clean eating. If you're keeping consistent, that's the best possible track to be on! So then, the question may be more specific to your training or diet. Now, you have to ask yourself a few things to narrow it down a bit. I have some questions for you to ask yourself...
1. Are you keeping a journal? Noting how you feel post-workout will help you to identify things that may not be effective for you.
2. Are you insisting on progression? The only problem with muscle confusion is that you lose sight of goals pretty fast. If you're doing intervals, are you adding more sprints each week? If you're doing yoga, are you adding new and tougher poses? If you're weight training or doing bodyweight work, are you adding reps? Without measurable progression, it's easy for anyone to stagnate. You may feel fit and not look it, or vice versa.
3. How good is your diet, really? Are there things you can be cutting back on? Do you eat a lot of salt, which can cause muscle-obscuring water retention (especially in women)?
4. Are you doing your cardio pre-breakfast or post-weights? Doing cardio at these times helps you burn more fat.

Contemplate those questions, for starters, and see what you come up with and keep us all posted!

[Txchick28]

Diet & eating clean is the answer!

[marybutolder]

Txchick28 must not be very old! After 48 I have a big problem in wieght control; never had a problem before. Ate clean, exercised, stayed in shape no problem. It's like my body has morfied into another person. I feel for you Chris. I'm 54 have gained belly fat by doing the same routines as I always have. Most women my age n older reply: get use to your new body. I definately don't like my new body, I feel like I'm at adolescent going throw a change. There's not much research on our type of bodies (except to use hrt), but I'm going to persue the prayfit way of working out. If not belly fat loss maybe getting to know the new me needs.

[Wayne]

Hi Chris
Although I am no expert, I can tell you I have fought and won your battle. I am a 53 year old male so factor that in as you see fit.
I had my third back surgery in January 2010. I relay that because I had been sedentary for decades. I balloned to 210 lbs. at 30% body fat. It took a year to get to 168 lbs. at approximately 12% body fat.
Diet and cardio along with sensible weight training were the keys.
How long have you been at it? Do you believe in cheat meals or days, you really can't cheat and reach your goals.
Don't be hard on yourself take another look at your diet. I consume about 200 grams of protein and about 150 grams of low glycemic index carbs per day. No bread or pasta allowed. I dont really count fat intake or calories. My protein sorces are fish, chicken, eggs and whey. I eat my share of yogurt and as many fruits and vegetables as I want.
Each workout I strive to burn at least 1000 calories. That comes from 30 minutes of HIT cardio and about one hour of weight training. I do four workouts per week.
I hope that helps.
Good luck and God bless.
Wayne

[tea]

I'm in my early 50's, in menopause, and had trouble losing my belly fat too. I started going to a Zumba class twice a week - I've been to 11 classes and my belly and "love handles" are dwindling down! A co-worker commented on how much weight I've lost/ how "skinny" I look, but I'm close to my normal weight - it's just reproportioned! I've always hated exercising - but this is so much fun, it's dancing! I think it's the way Zumba incorporates a lot of "belly" movements in to the workout? It seems like a work out designed for women's problem areas. I think it's worth a try.

[jagfangirl27]

I wish I could do zumba but my pelvis is a little unstable due to arthritis. My sacroiliac joint actually got stuck during a class. Very uncomfortable! What else could I do to combat the belly fat?

[Clell3]

Any kind of crunch will help with the midsection bulge. Even if you can't get on the floor, any kind of contracting of the abs will help. Sometime when I'm watching the Microwave spin, I do a standing crunch or I do a side to side to work the love handles. Something is better than nothing.

(((HUGS))) in Christ,
Sherry

[trace]

Hi,
I am a 45 year lady, who is trying to loose the belly fat. I am seeing a difference by using the 33 day challenge.
I did it for about 18 days got away from it and started over again. I can't wait for the 33 days to be over to see what it has done for me. But I am seeing a difference.

[linnyanne]

Dear Marybutolder:
I understand the "menopause" moments and the belly fat. It has become very difficult to continue thinking and acting like a thirty year old when are bodies are not ! They become creatures with their own minds, dont they? Each day I thank God for the energy to work out at whatever level I am able to do for that day and if the belly fat decides to stay, I have company for the day !