What am I doing wrong to try to see my abs?!
Question: I am 5'11 and 220 pounds. I have been weight lifting for about 8 years. I have a little belly fat.
I tried a diet for about 3 weeks that cut my calories by alot. The result of that was, I was tired more and I didn't have good work outs, and no abs. I have always done cardio on off days.
I am running out of ideas here. I always drink water, and watch what I eat.
Someone told me that maybe I need to stop lifting weights for about 2 weeks, and stick to my diet. They said that I will be tired, but I will get results.....Any ideas?
Answers: I am 5'11 and 220 pounds. I have been weight lifting for about 8 years. I have a little belly fat.
I tried a diet for about 3 weeks that cut my calories by alot. The result of that was, I was tired more and I didn't have good work outs, and no abs. I have always done cardio on off days.
I am running out of ideas here. I always drink water, and watch what I eat.
Someone told me that maybe I need to stop lifting weights for about 2 weeks, and stick to my diet. They said that I will be tired, but I will get results.....Any ideas?
Well, it depends...what calories did you cut and what are you doing to compensate. To get cut you need a proper balance of good eating, resistance and cardio excercise, and proper supplements. Whoever said you should stop lifting is not really correct...you need the resistance excercise as that is the best way to reduce fat (muscle burns fat/calories) and change body shape.
Different people hold fat in different places and that last little bit of fat is usually the hardest to lose. There isn't any definitive way to 'spot' reduce body fat but here are some things I have found useful (to get cut and get 'abs'):
- Do sprint repeats. It's starting to get warm enough to do these outside so that's good. Jog to warm up (~1/2 mile). Then do 8 sets of repeat sprints (start with ~100m and gradually move up to ~200m as you get in better shape). Basically you sprint all out, then slow jog (really slow) back. Repeat 8 times. The first one you want to go only ~3/4 speed since your body will still be warming up. Make sure you stretch afterwards as your hamstrings will be sore the next day (especially after the first time).
- Resistance training: go for more reps (less weight), try drop sets, try circuit training. All of these are useful for getting more cut (and as a result will burn fat off your abs).
- Ab ball: do a lot of exercises using one of those ab balls...they work your core in every exercise. You can also do actual ab target exercises (twists, crunches, etc.). Get a trainer at your gym to show you some.
- Improve your nutrition to mostly eat low fat protein (chicken, fish, lean turkey, etc.) and veggies (i.e. broccoli). Mix a little fruit in there for some sweetness. You can also buy whey protein and make whey protein smoothies (2 scoops protein, ice, skim milk - blend - little peanut butter, ripe banana, more ice - blend again: tastes great). Cut out junk food (especially soda, anything loaded with high fructose corn syrup, all sweets, etc.)
- Start taking a thermogenic fat burner (will burn fat faster when your body temp rises - i.e. working out), ripped fuel, or hydroxycut hardcore before your workouts. This will help provide energy for workouts during your cutting 'diet'.
have fun...and don't worry too much
push urself harder and longer
Try eating breakfast.
or maybe a little more carbs!you need energy for your workout!