Any apple shapes achieve a flat tummy?

[NewtothisFBK4921]

Anyone out there got skinny arms and legs and a bigger tummy, and then manage to get the tummy flat? I workout with weights about twice a week, but don't build muscle very easily. I'm about 8.5 stone and even pre kids my belly was always my bad point. Now it's worse. I can't loose too much weight as I'll be underweight.

I love my legs and arms so not complaining, I just wondered if anyone else with my Apple shape had any tips for getting that belly smaller? I'd really love a waist.

I'm 35, big boobs, small everywhere just a belly that looks permanently pregnant and got a layer of fat on it, especially by the evening when it has doubled in size. Go on inspire me, what did you do to get great abs??

Yoga (planks have been great for my abs), getting down to the bottom end of my bmi, giving up alcohol completely and, mostly, avoiding bread and sugar. Oh, and HRT.

@NewtothisFBK4921 I'm watching this thread and hoping for some answers! You sound nearly identical to me (but I'm a few years older - just turned 40). I weigh the same as you, thin arms/legs but big stomach (& boobs). I eat well, track calories, walk loads and recently started Caroline Girvan weights workouts at home. It's really hard, isn't it?

How tall are you?

Let's hope we both find some answers.

I'm 5ft 5. Let's hope the Mumsnetters out there give us some fun answers and inspiration 😍

Thank you! Planking here I come!!

I haven’t really got a waist still but I definitely have a flat tummy for the first time since I was 18 this year. I got a peleton in February and do 3/4 rides a week plus regular Pilates/core work and upper body weights. I haven’t changed my eating or drinking but I’m slimmer and more toned than ever.

Amazing thank you, with the rides plus weight are you working out almost daily? I do wonder if I'm kidding myself with just 2-3 times a week

On an average week I probably work out 5 days but often it’s just 20 mins weights.

Also I am generally very active - active job where I don’t sit down and a big dog I walk 4/5 times a week for over an hour!

You need to build your core strength, this is also really important for avoiding back problems. Yoga or Pilates are great for this. Best to go to a class so you have an instructor to check your technique, as if you aren't doing the exercises correctly then you won't be using the right muscle groups.

Running, cycling, and swimming.

Combine exercise with a healthy diet.

I'm 56 and menopausal. I've got a fantastic core, can plank for 3 minutes....years of Pilates, I also do weights. Still not got a waist back. Very strong core muscle though.

For me it's diet. I've cut down on alcohol but think I may need to go to special occasions only. I need to eat more protein and less carbs. I've lost a stone and a half but have another stone to go which is all on my tummy...high blood pressure too. For me it's food.

My sister had the same body type as you. What worked for her was eating more and working on her core with pilates reformer classes / barre / ballet.

When I was skinny and very fit I was an rectangle shape. Now I am fat I'm a apple. I've never had a waist and no excerise in the world would give me more than a hint of a wasn't.

But pilates was always the best.

This is why I’m getting a tummy tuck

This was me exactly, but I'm a good deal older than you. I was doing all sorts of online exercises that promised to whittle your waist etc, but my son, who's a qualified PT, said it was all rubbish as you simply cannot spot reduce fat. He said you need to reduce your fat layer to reveal your underlying musculature AND exercise your build that musculature. So for me it has been:

• food: only eat when I'm hungry; good sized meals with plenty of protein; nutritious snack if actually hungry
• exercise M, T, T, F in a specific way to target all muscle groups.

I have followed Slimpod for a year & a half now and that really helped with the mindset / positivity side of it all. The key to it all is that it must be sustainable.

I managed a flat tummy for a few years .... The years I was anorexic.

(Sorry not helpful, but also important that we don't strive for this at the expense of health)

Even when I had phenomenal core strength due to the sport I did, I always had a bit of a curve to my tummy when I was healthy.

I found giving up alcohol changed my shape and now have a much flatter stomach even whist still overweight

I'm exactly the same OP, so I'd love some ideas.... but I'm doubtful there's anything that works, except lipo and a tummy tuck!
The only thing that helps for me is avoiding bread and sugar as I get very bloated with these, but it doesn't actually make any difference on the decent layer of fat that surrounds my entire midsection 🙄

If I was rich I'd get lipo for sure. I'm skinny everywhere else, my tummy just does not match!

Ha yes lipo! 😂

Think I'll crack on with the Pilates and high protein 😬