I'm looking to lose my lovehandles and some fat off my stomach - can anyone recommend a good exercise regimen for me? I belong to a gym but I don't really know what machines will help me!

I've been using an abdominal machine for a few weeks, but if anything, I think my belly is getting bigger

Can someone help? Thanks!

You will want to wait for other responses.....but I know what you are going through. I have been doing tummy excersises and I think my stomach got bigger too. My fiance says that sometimes you will gain a tiny bit before you start to actually lose the weight.

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The best thing you can do to burn fat is cardio for at least 20 min at a time. If that's too long to start off with, work your way up to the 20 min. By cardio I mean, anything that keeps your heart rate up, such as jogging, eliptical trainers, treadmills, stationary bikes, etc.

Resistance excercises like ab machines won't help you lose the fat, although they will tone up the muscles. You can do both if you like, but the cardio is by far the more important one at this stage. It won't hurt to just do cardio now, and then incorporate resistance exercises into your routine later on.

Agreed that for quick results, do cardio.

If you're going to do resistance training, I would do a full body routine and not just abs. Most people have some ab muscle - it's just covered up by a bit of fat. (and some people won't ever get a 6 pack without being sick from too little fat.)

Muscle burns more calories per day so that lets you eat more and burns the fat at rest. Working large muscles is key for this - think squats, lunges, back, and chest. If you work your back, it will help maintain your posture and if you build your lats, it helps create that nice "v" shape on your back which is really good if you tend to store fat in the love handle/low back area. (Which I do.)

I could help you with a more in depth routine (as could a few others here) but I don't know how much you're looking for. In short, you could lose some weight in your stomach/waist area easily by adding a bit of cardio though.

Cardio all the way. best thing you can do to cut fat.

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I think the reason why you are getting bigger is because muscle is developing underneath.

Cardio and muscle tightening exercises are my best suggestions.

Do an ab exercise like the Standing or Seated Barbell Twist.
This is great for tightening your obliques (love handles).

I wouldn't recommend using a Barbell though. A broomstick or something like it that is light is fine.

An example is here: Bodybuilding.com - Exercise Guides Database.


Diet is also very important. Your stomach will improve in the kitchen more than the gym.

thanks everyone

i'm going to doing cardio workouts more often and hopefully i'll get some results!

Yep, I agree. Cardio for sure. You can't spot reduce just by doing sit ups. You can build the muscle underneath, but you need cardio. I find the best that works for me is running and spinning classes, but that's me. Anything that can get your heartrate up is great!

I like to go rollerblading for cardio if you live in a warm enugh climate and are looking for something new. It is really good because not only do you get excellent cardio out of it you also have to use your muscles in other parts of your body to balance yourself and gain momentum.

Also lifting weights helped me out a lot when it came to my abs. Free weights i find to be the best because you have to use all of your muscles in order to lift which results in you working out your enitre body.

i recommend getting some muscle before you go too heavy into the cardio trying to lose the fat. you're going to end up looking skinny-fat and regret it (i know i did). just make sure you're eating right. try to get 1-1.5g of protein per pound of lean body mass, and don't starve yourself

don't forget to work on your back muscles...
your core consists of your abdominals and mid-lower back...
try a kick boxing class...it works every part of your body
and is a great cardio workout!!!!

i think its because muscles weigh more than fat. You're building muscles then! =)
I do crutches everyday... i could feel the abs...

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