Losing the flabby stomach..

[jai6638]

Hello guys...

I had a question about losing weight and building muscle.. I'm 5'7 and weigh 159 lbs. I'd like to lose the excess fat in my stomach. As silly as this sounds, I've heard that converting the fat into muscle is a good way of losing the flab and looking toned.. Is this true and possible? If so, what exercises can I do to get rid of the belly? If its not true, then is doing cardio the only way to lose the belly?

Btw, I did a 40-45 min Elliptical workout everyday for a month losing about 500 calories a day but didn't see a noticeable decrease in my weight..

I'd like to tone my body but due to a birth injury in my right shoulder ( Erbs palsy ), I cannot lift weights in that shoulder more than 30 lbs since my deltoid muscles are extremely weak in that arm. While I do not want to bulk up, I'd like to have a muscular appearance so what can I do to achieve this?

I'm vegetarian so diet wise, I have Indian bread in the morning, cooked vegetable and wheat bread for lunch ( along with multi-vitamin tablets ), milk and cereal in the evening, cooked vegetable and wheat bread for dinner and two Oats and Honey granola bars before sleeping.



Thanks much.

 

[Bateluer]

A few points, though I cannot comment on weight lifting, its not my area of expertise. First thing I would do, keep a food log for a few weeks. Every bite of food that goes in your mouth, write it down along with a calorie count. This will tell you how many calories your ingesting in a given time frame. The only way to lose weight is to burn more than you intake. Anyone who tells you differently is selling something.

Second, how you are calculating how many calories burned on the elliptical? Usually, the onboard computers are horribly inaccurate. If the machine has a heart rate monitor that syncs with it, it may be more accurate though.

Third, there are a number of abdominal exercises that can be done to tone the stomach muscles, sit ups, crunches, leg lifts, etc. Keep in mind that the stomach muscles will never show if their covered with 'flab'. I'd vary up your cardio work outs as well, as cardio exercise burns a lot of calories, but if you're only doing one type and the same routine, your body gets used to it and it doesn't burn as much. Vary up the elliptical machine with some outdoor jogging and swimming if possible.

I'd also avoid the body fat machines that I see at gyms(Tapes, calipers, etc). Unless their submerging you in water entirely, those things are not accurate and most fall under the heading of quackery.

 

[jai6638]

Originally posted by: Bateluer
A few points, though I cannot comment on weight lifting, its not my area of expertise. First thing I would do, keep a food log for a few weeks. Every bite of food that goes in your mouth, write it down along with a calorie count. This will tell you how many calories your ingesting in a given time frame. The only way to lose weight is to burn more than you intake. Anyone who tells you differently is selling something.

Second, how you are calculating how many calories burned on the elliptical? Usually, the onboard computers are horribly inaccurate. If the machine has a heart rate monitor that syncs with it, it may be more accurate though.

Third, there are a number of abdominal exercises that can be done to tone the stomach muscles, sit ups, crunches, leg lifts, etc. Keep in mind that the stomach muscles will never show if their covered with 'flab'. I'd vary up your cardio work outs as well, as cardio exercise burns a lot of calories, but if you're only doing one type and the same routine, your body gets used to it and it doesn't burn as much. Vary up the elliptical machine with some outdoor jogging and swimming if possible.

I'd also avoid the body fat machines that I see at gyms(Tapes, calipers, etc). Unless their submerging you in water entirely, those things are not accurate and most fall under the heading of quackery.

Thanks for the prompt response. I'll start keeping a log.. I doubt I'm touching 2500 though.. I'm probably at around 2000.

I was using the onboard computers which do have heart rate monitors although my hands not constantly on them. I figure that burning 10 calories a minute is decent for the medium pace at which I do it. I didn't realize that your body can get use dto a particular exercise routine.

From what I understand, those stomach exercises would convert the fat into muscle and thereby automatically rid me of the flab? Or is this not how it works

 

[Kipper]

Originally posted by: jai6638

Thanks for the prompt response. I'll start keeping a log.. I doubt I'm touching 2500 though.. I'm probably at around 2000.

I was using the onboard computers which do have heart rate monitors although my hands not constantly on them. I figure that burning 10 calories a minute is decent for the medium pace at which I do it. I didn't realize that your body can get use dto a particular exercise routine.

From what I understand, those stomach exercises would convert the fat into muscle and thereby automatically rid me of the flab? Or is this not how it works

The computers are worthless, pay no attention to them. Use your weight/pants sizes as a measure of weight loss.

...And the method of fat loss you are suggesting is 100% proven not to work. Fat deposition is dictated by hormones and genetics - and fat loss works the same way - you can never "choose" to use it up or place it somewhere. Moreover, it is impossible to "convert" fat into muscle directly.

I'm not quite sure where you are planning on getting your proteins from (besides the milk) but Indians do usually make good use of dal...read the fat sticky.

 

[brikis98]

Seriously, read the fat loss sticky from start to finish. Then read it again. Then come back here and ask questions.

 

[Special K]

Originally posted by: jai6638

Originally posted by: Bateluer
A few points, though I cannot comment on weight lifting, its not my area of expertise. First thing I would do, keep a food log for a few weeks. Every bite of food that goes in your mouth, write it down along with a calorie count. This will tell you how many calories your ingesting in a given time frame. The only way to lose weight is to burn more than you intake. Anyone who tells you differently is selling something.

Second, how you are calculating how many calories burned on the elliptical? Usually, the onboard computers are horribly inaccurate. If the machine has a heart rate monitor that syncs with it, it may be more accurate though.

Third, there are a number of abdominal exercises that can be done to tone the stomach muscles, sit ups, crunches, leg lifts, etc. Keep in mind that the stomach muscles will never show if their covered with 'flab'. I'd vary up your cardio work outs as well, as cardio exercise burns a lot of calories, but if you're only doing one type and the same routine, your body gets used to it and it doesn't burn as much. Vary up the elliptical machine with some outdoor jogging and swimming if possible.

I'd also avoid the body fat machines that I see at gyms(Tapes, calipers, etc). Unless their submerging you in water entirely, those things are not accurate and most fall under the heading of quackery.

Thanks for the prompt response. I'll start keeping a log.. I doubt I'm touching 2500 though.. I'm probably at around 2000.

I was using the onboard computers which do have heart rate monitors although my hands not constantly on them. I figure that burning 10 calories a minute is decent for the medium pace at which I do it. I didn't realize that your body can get use dto a particular exercise routine.

From what I understand, those stomach exercises would convert the fat into muscle and thereby automatically rid me of the flab? Or is this not how it works

There's no reason to actually write anything down - use Fitday instead.

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: Special K

Originally posted by: jai6638

Originally posted by: Bateluer
A few points, though I cannot comment on weight lifting, its not my area of expertise. First thing I would do, keep a food log for a few weeks. Every bite of food that goes in your mouth, write it down along with a calorie count. This will tell you how many calories your ingesting in a given time frame. The only way to lose weight is to burn more than you intake. Anyone who tells you differently is selling something.

Second, how you are calculating how many calories burned on the elliptical? Usually, the onboard computers are horribly inaccurate. If the machine has a heart rate monitor that syncs with it, it may be more accurate though.

Third, there are a number of abdominal exercises that can be done to tone the stomach muscles, sit ups, crunches, leg lifts, etc. Keep in mind that the stomach muscles will never show if their covered with 'flab'. I'd vary up your cardio work outs as well, as cardio exercise burns a lot of calories, but if you're only doing one type and the same routine, your body gets used to it and it doesn't burn as much. Vary up the elliptical machine with some outdoor jogging and swimming if possible.

I'd also avoid the body fat machines that I see at gyms(Tapes, calipers, etc). Unless their submerging you in water entirely, those things are not accurate and most fall under the heading of quackery.

Thanks for the prompt response. I'll start keeping a log.. I doubt I'm touching 2500 though.. I'm probably at around 2000.

I was using the onboard computers which do have heart rate monitors although my hands not constantly on them. I figure that burning 10 calories a minute is decent for the medium pace at which I do it. I didn't realize that your body can get use dto a particular exercise routine.

From what I understand, those stomach exercises would convert the fat into muscle and thereby automatically rid me of the flab? Or is this not how it works

There's no reason to actually write anything down - use Fitday instead.

Same thing, keeping a record.

OP, you cannot convert fat to muscle. I suggested various abdominal exercises to increase the muscle mass and tone beneath the fat. You'll have to work that off with good old fashioned sweat.

 

[Special K]

Originally posted by: Bateluer

Originally posted by: Special K

Originally posted by: jai6638

Originally posted by: Bateluer
A few points, though I cannot comment on weight lifting, its not my area of expertise. First thing I would do, keep a food log for a few weeks. Every bite of food that goes in your mouth, write it down along with a calorie count. This will tell you how many calories your ingesting in a given time frame. The only way to lose weight is to burn more than you intake. Anyone who tells you differently is selling something.

Second, how you are calculating how many calories burned on the elliptical? Usually, the onboard computers are horribly inaccurate. If the machine has a heart rate monitor that syncs with it, it may be more accurate though.

Third, there are a number of abdominal exercises that can be done to tone the stomach muscles, sit ups, crunches, leg lifts, etc. Keep in mind that the stomach muscles will never show if their covered with 'flab'. I'd vary up your cardio work outs as well, as cardio exercise burns a lot of calories, but if you're only doing one type and the same routine, your body gets used to it and it doesn't burn as much. Vary up the elliptical machine with some outdoor jogging and swimming if possible.

I'd also avoid the body fat machines that I see at gyms(Tapes, calipers, etc). Unless their submerging you in water entirely, those things are not accurate and most fall under the heading of quackery.

Thanks for the prompt response. I'll start keeping a log.. I doubt I'm touching 2500 though.. I'm probably at around 2000.

I was using the onboard computers which do have heart rate monitors although my hands not constantly on them. I figure that burning 10 calories a minute is decent for the medium pace at which I do it. I didn't realize that your body can get use dto a particular exercise routine.

From what I understand, those stomach exercises would convert the fat into muscle and thereby automatically rid me of the flab? Or is this not how it works

There's no reason to actually write anything down - use Fitday instead.

Same thing, keeping a record.

OP, you cannot convert fat to muscle. I suggested various abdominal exercises to increase the muscle mass and tone beneath the fat. You'll have to work that off with good old fashioned sweat.

Right, I was just pointing out that using Fitday is far less tedious than writing things down on paper.

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: Special K

Originally posted by: Bateluer

Originally posted by: Special K

Originally posted by: jai6638

Originally posted by: Bateluer
A few points, though I cannot comment on weight lifting, its not my area of expertise. First thing I would do, keep a food log for a few weeks. Every bite of food that goes in your mouth, write it down along with a calorie count. This will tell you how many calories your ingesting in a given time frame. The only way to lose weight is to burn more than you intake. Anyone who tells you differently is selling something.

Second, how you are calculating how many calories burned on the elliptical? Usually, the onboard computers are horribly inaccurate. If the machine has a heart rate monitor that syncs with it, it may be more accurate though.

Third, there are a number of abdominal exercises that can be done to tone the stomach muscles, sit ups, crunches, leg lifts, etc. Keep in mind that the stomach muscles will never show if their covered with 'flab'. I'd vary up your cardio work outs as well, as cardio exercise burns a lot of calories, but if you're only doing one type and the same routine, your body gets used to it and it doesn't burn as much. Vary up the elliptical machine with some outdoor jogging and swimming if possible.

I'd also avoid the body fat machines that I see at gyms(Tapes, calipers, etc). Unless their submerging you in water entirely, those things are not accurate and most fall under the heading of quackery.

Thanks for the prompt response. I'll start keeping a log.. I doubt I'm touching 2500 though.. I'm probably at around 2000.

I was using the onboard computers which do have heart rate monitors although my hands not constantly on them. I figure that burning 10 calories a minute is decent for the medium pace at which I do it. I didn't realize that your body can get use dto a particular exercise routine.

From what I understand, those stomach exercises would convert the fat into muscle and thereby automatically rid me of the flab? Or is this not how it works

There's no reason to actually write anything down - use Fitday instead.

Same thing, keeping a record.

OP, you cannot convert fat to muscle. I suggested various abdominal exercises to increase the muscle mass and tone beneath the fat. You'll have to work that off with good old fashioned sweat.

Right, I was just pointing out that using Fitday is far less tedious than writing things down on paper.

Seriously. Last week I had no internet at home for almost an entire week and tracking on paper was a total pain in the ass. Makes me appreciate fitday and thedailyplate even more.

 

[SearchMaster]

Also, it seems like when everyone starts working out they say "I don't want to bulk up". Dude, it takes YEARS of hard work to "bulk up". If it was as easy as just starting to go to the gym and lifting weights for a few weeks, don't you think a lot more people would be ripped?

If you start lifting and stick with it, you should find your shoulders getting stronger even with your deltoid problems. You should also find your musculature showing through the flab. I'm 42, and only starting lifting about 4-5 years ago. I have too high body fat percentage (probably 15% or so) for a six pack but there is definition in my abdominal region as well as most of the rest of my body. I also only lift about 3 times a month because of time restrictions and schedule. I am soooo much happier with my appearance than I was before I started so I highly recommend you start asap.

 

[darkxshade]

Abs are made in the kitchen.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

OP... I'm Indian, 5'4", and also eat vegetarian. I used to weigh about 165 pounds, and I'm down to 125 now.

First thing - do what you're comfortable with. I did the elliptical every day for 3 months, and then started doing half running and half elliptical. Basically, at least for me, it was a significant change in my life style, and I had to become comfortable with it, which I didn't realize at the time. Just pick something you're good at (sounds like the elliptical right now) and keep at it - build it into a habit.

Second - once you have that habit, I think everything else will follow. Your curiosity will take you to running, biking, whatever you fancy.

My advice - keep on the elliptical and at some point, add in some running. Burn off as much as possible with cardio, the benefits in your life from this will be endless. PM me if you ever have any questions.

 

[Geocentricity]

Originally posted by: darkxshade
Abs are made in the kitchen.

QFT (I must've read it in my Men's Health at least once every few issues)

Losing enough BF to a % where your abs start to show is more about the foods you put into your body. Less junk, proper hydration, 3 meals a day with satiating yet healthy snacks inbetween.

Exercise is a must, but the fuel is the key.

 

[QuantumPion]

Originally posted by: Kipper

Originally posted by: jai6638

Thanks for the prompt response. I'll start keeping a log.. I doubt I'm touching 2500 though.. I'm probably at around 2000.

I was using the onboard computers which do have heart rate monitors although my hands not constantly on them. I figure that burning 10 calories a minute is decent for the medium pace at which I do it. I didn't realize that your body can get use dto a particular exercise routine.

From what I understand, those stomach exercises would convert the fat into muscle and thereby automatically rid me of the flab? Or is this not how it works

Moreover, it is impossible to "convert" fat into muscle directly.

I'd have to disagree with you there. It certainly is possible to burn fat and build muscle at the same time. I've gained noticeable muscle mass in the last 10 weeks but my weight is exactly the same as when I started.

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: QuantumPion

Originally posted by: Kipper

Originally posted by: jai6638

Thanks for the prompt response. I'll start keeping a log.. I doubt I'm touching 2500 though.. I'm probably at around 2000.

I was using the onboard computers which do have heart rate monitors although my hands not constantly on them. I figure that burning 10 calories a minute is decent for the medium pace at which I do it. I didn't realize that your body can get use dto a particular exercise routine.

From what I understand, those stomach exercises would convert the fat into muscle and thereby automatically rid me of the flab? Or is this not how it works

Moreover, it is impossible to "convert" fat into muscle directly.

I'd have to disagree with you there. It certainly is possible to burn fat and build muscle at the same time. I've gained noticeable muscle mass in the last 10 weeks but my weight is exactly the same as when I started.

There's a difference between losing fat while gaining muscle and converting fat directly to muscle. The first can happen, especially in beginners. The second is physiologically impossible.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

What is your current body fat%? Weight doesn't mean anything it really comes down to BF%

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew

Originally posted by: QuantumPion

Originally posted by: Kipper

Originally posted by: jai6638

Thanks for the prompt response. I'll start keeping a log.. I doubt I'm touching 2500 though.. I'm probably at around 2000.

I was using the onboard computers which do have heart rate monitors although my hands not constantly on them. I figure that burning 10 calories a minute is decent for the medium pace at which I do it. I didn't realize that your body can get use dto a particular exercise routine.

From what I understand, those stomach exercises would convert the fat into muscle and thereby automatically rid me of the flab? Or is this not how it works

Moreover, it is impossible to "convert" fat into muscle directly.

I'd have to disagree with you there. It certainly is possible to burn fat and build muscle at the same time. I've gained noticeable muscle mass in the last 10 weeks but my weight is exactly the same as when I started.

There's a difference between losing fat while gaining muscle and converting fat directly to muscle. The first can happen, especially in beginners. The second is physiologically impossible.

Yep. Fatty acids = long chains of highly reduced carbon. Amino acids = selectively oxidized carbons, involving amino groups, and peptide bonds. The body does not interchange between the two, although I imagine you could go from one to another in the lab. That would be extensive and a pain in the ass though.