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Reasons You Have Belly Fat

5 Reasons You Have an Inch to Pinch

May 19, 2012

Source: Thinkstock

2 / 7

by Jenny Sugar 13

You're Doing Crunches, Not Cardio

While ab exercises will tone your core muscles, they won't do anything about the layer of fat covering them up. Cardio is a must because it's the only way you can burn calories, which will decrease your overall percentage of body fat, to slim down your tummy and reveal your toned tummy.

2 / 7

by Jenny Sugar 13

You're Doing Crunches, Not Cardio

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13 Comments

2 years 48 weeks

"that's crazy "crunches not cardio" I thought they say you should do weight training because cardio only does so much, it doesn't build muscle which burns calories when you arent doing anything. for every weight session you do, you burn an extra 100 cals a day. Cardio only burns whatever you do while doing it and nothing else unless there is resistance then you might get serious benefits " I have to correct something anonymous said in her response..in reference to the calories burned from weight training.You DO NOT burn an extra 100 calories for every session you do.Your body CAN however burn approx 50 more calories per day(just at rest)for every POUND of muscle your body carries. I think what the journalist meant about the cardio vs crunches was that the average person out there is still under the false impression that one can "spot reduce" and they turn to crunches thinking that this will solve the belly issue.Cardio,no cardio..if you have excess fat anywhere it is due to not burning off more than you are eating( barring any medical conditions)

afternoondelight 2 years 52 weeks

Oh man; the excessive drinking is mine. I'm trying to cut back because of an upcoming vacation in which I will have to be in a bikini A LOT, but I also am starting grad school in the fall and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to have tons of left over money to buy drinks with!

3 years 6 weeks

I have changed all of my meals to lean protein, steamed or grilled veggies and around a gallon of unsweet tea with splenda a day, plus lots of water. Along with this, I make sure to plant flowers or do some slightly difficult yard work every day for about an hour. In two weeks, I have lost 15 pounds, and i feel awesome. Never hungry either! cant beat that.

milkthief 3 years 7 weeks

I couldn't kick the belly fat (even when long-distance running) until I cut out processed sugar--I noticed a difference right away!

danakscully64 3 years 7 weeks

For me it's tummy, arms, hips, and thighs. I did 2 months of intense workouts (cardio and weight) and mild dieting... no results at all. I'm in a rut and don't know what to do.

girlgreen 3 years 8 weeks

these are good reminders. i (relatively) enjoy strength training, but i hate cardio. i know i need to do both, though, to get rid of my belly fat.

starbucks 3 years 8 weeks

Haha, Wild Magelet, that's what I thought, too...

Wild Magelet 3 years 8 weeks

"Women tend to gain weight in a few special spots — our thighs, tush, face, breasts, and of course, our tummies." Hee. Which leaves what? Thin hands and feet?

3 years 8 weeks

that's crazy "crunches not cardio" I thought they say you should do weight training because cardio only does so much, it doesn't build muscle which burns calories when you arent doing anything. for every weight session you do, you burn an extra 100 cals a day. Cardio only burns whatever you do while doing it and nothing else unless there is resistance then you might get serious benefits

Beaner 3 years 8 weeks

Crunches not cardio was totally my problem. I thought that's what would get rid of by gut. Then a dear friend mentioned that I try adding some cardio to my routine. I started running three days a week and it made a huge difference.

kcmosinki 3 years 8 weeks

I actually lost weight when i switched to 3 meals a day instead of my usual 3 meals plus snacks. Mind you they were healthy snacks but I found that eating actually awakens my appetite and makes me hungry for a meal not a cup of yogurt with granola. But by having 3 meals i sit at a table, i look at my food and my brain registers that i am about to eat and be satisfied. Then i eat slowly until i've had enough. and i found that allowing myself to get a little hungry made me look forward to and enjoy my next meal more...that's just me.

Susmita 3 years 8 weeks

I agree on the belly fat and eating too many calories. This is definitely the first place I gain fat, so I regularly measure my waistline, in addition to keeping an eye on the scale. In my case, cardio plus Pilates seems to be keeping things in control for now! www.vegrun.blogspot.com

pamela87 3 years 8 weeks

Who is writing this content? You may want to get an editor who knows the subject. "Cardio" is not the only way to burn calories. Big big big error. Your cardiovascular system gets challenged not by spinning on an elliptical system, but by interval training and resistance training. Weight training gives you a better bang b/c you get cardiovascular, strength, and coordination/balance all in one workout. Honestly, if you have substantial belly fat, it is your eating habits.