Ask Madelyn Fernstrom

hi. well i use to weigh 210 pounds. now i weigh  165..its been so hard and i only been doing it for about 5 months. here's my question........i still wanna lose weight but i've been starting to tightened things up...my most concern is my stomach...i do about 30 reverse crunches.5x a week...should i do more ? by doing it 5x a week when will i see results?

i still use the tredmill,,,i do some ab workouts, i use dumb bells for my arms, i do squats, lunges...its all a combination....but i really want that tummy to go away.....

i do all kinds of stuff for that...regular crunches...i do some obliques workouts, i use a medicine ball and twist side to side on a sitting position..

u think im doing it right?

thanks

You are making FANTASTIC progress! You should be very proud of yourself. Now that you've lost a significant amount of weight, it's very natural to want to "tone up". You're on the right track with your reverse crunches and working on the lateral abs, and you are off to a good start. An easy way to do more "spot" training in the abdominal area is to rent or buy a DVD  specifically focused on the abs. This can be another part of your exercise toolbox. Another option is to work with a trainer a session or two, to get an ab routine that fits your needs. Remember to keep up with your cardio on the treadmill, or for variety, the elliptical or bike.

Let me know how you are doing!

Health Journal with Dr. Fernstrom!

Mostly weight on the stomach can be helped through Cardio.   My weight went up and down when my Dad died.

It also depends on whether the fat is on top of the muscle wall or not.    Sometimes, when people go up and down in

weight, the underlying muscles stretch out in the abdomen.    This can also happen to women that have had kids, and

from aging.    That is why Spanx is popular, and tummy tucks.   I believe it even moreso when I saw the stomach

of a relative who is much older.  She was skinny everywhere else, except the stomach.   Cardio is the only thing that

can help some.   Fifty to a hundred situps is fine, but how the fat is distributed, and whether the underlying corset has

stretched is the real issue.   Congrats on your weight loss !!

I think you're doing everything right. You might get a DVD which has a bunch of abdominal exercises - so you can do more than crunches. Crunches are a sure thing, but if you want to focus more on the belly area, try adding on some others, not just increasing the number of crunches. There are several muscles in the belly area that all can be tightened up. Crunches don't work on all of them......give it a try!

Good luck - and stay in touch!

Health Journal with Dr. Fernstrom!