What's the best thing I can do in the gym to lose belly fat?

[Kalispera]

I go to the gym about 3 times a week, run between 3 and 5k, cross trainer, do some weights, all the usual. Plus plank and sits up.

But I've no idea what the best things are to lose weight from my stomach; I'm actually not fussed about the rest of my body but it seems to come off of everywhere apart from my stomach!

I'm too embarrassed to have sessions with a PT and sort of like to exercise in blissful solitude, so don't really fancy classes much.

Does anyone have any wisdom please?

[lackingimagination]

Unfortunately there are no exercises or anything you can do in the gym to specifically lose belly fat.

The best thing would be a mixture of low intensity cardio and weight lifting exercises (whilst reducing food intake) which will generally burn fat from your body.

Doing an hour a day of ab/core strengthening exercises would give you rock hard abs but unless you strip back the fat on top of it it will make no difference to your appearance (although there would be other benefits of course!).

My Auntie has become a gym bunny recently, doing a mixture of classes, boot camps, PT sessions and running. She has lost 4 stone over 2 years however still carries fat on her stomach. She doesn't want to lose any more weight (she is tiny now) and nothing has helped her. I think she looks great though!

Disclaimer: this information is mostly coming from a friend who has been a PT for 20 years, someone may correct me and if so can they please let me in on the secret

[Badgerlady]

I'm a big fan of fitness blender (home work out videos) and use these in combination with they gym. They did a good video on abs/belly fat. They essentially say it should be part of a balanced diet and routine.

www.fitnessblender.com/blog/how-to-lose-belly-fat-the-truth-about-belly-fat-abs-and-six-packs

(On phone- hope link works)

[Kalispera]

Thanks lacking I guess I'm doing what I can then.

And I'll check out that link later

Thanks guys!

[BendydickCuminsnatch]

Good article!

[tellyjots]

Haven't read the article, but have you considered hill sprints? Apparently these can make a big difference. You can do them on a treadmill. Or a bike. If you google Charles Poliquin there are some articles I'm sure

[bakeoffcake]

I agree with lacking, you can do hours of exercise but if you don't cut back on calories you'll still have fat around your stomach.

I know this from personal experience. I'm not overweight, BMI of 24, I exercise 5 times a week, cardio and lots of abs stuff and I still have belly fat. I'm currently on the third week of a diet (lowish carb and my fitness pal) and I've lost 6lbs and an inch and a half from my stomach.

[WhatTheDickensian]

I have a BMI of 20 but all my fat sits on my belly and looks very wobbly and at odds with the rest of my figure. Pilates helped a bit but I have to accept that after three kids my belly ain't ever going to be hard again.

[Kalispera]

Yeah it sucks doesn't it dickensian!

Well I'm doing what I can, I think. And it's still there. Depressing but hey...

[MillicentKing]

It's hard!

I'm bordering on underweight, am a runner, swimmer, boot camper, gym person. I have good abs and am very toned all over.

You can see I've had kids - layer of fat on my belly and puckered skin. It is what it is!

[curlyLJ]

Cut out carbs for a while, refined ones are the worst (white pasta, bread etc) and you will notice a difference in a couple of weeks. Eat lots of veg, protein and good fats to keep you full up.