Sliming down and increasing strength

[Raindown]

Hello,

Well I go to the gym everyday after work for about 40 mins. Just allows enough time for the traffic to clear out. I usually do 3 days of lifting pushing myself on the 11th or 12th rep. I don't want a large bulky build just an increase in strength and fitness level. Then 2 days I do cardio. Usually elliptical, Stairmaster etc. Not a huge treadmill fan. Been doing this for about 4 months

So, my legs are great, my arms are getting there but, my core/torso is like Not that I really work that area out just not seeing as good results about the torso/belly areas as my legs and arms. Any exercises or recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

[Sportsmedjosh]

Diet is going to be huge, from what it seems like it that your eating habits might not reflect this healthy lifestyle change your trying to make. You can do crunches until your blue in the face. But if your nutrition doesn't change you really won't be able to tell.

[Raindown]

Yea my diet is ok and definatly could be better. I don't eat any fastfood or anything but Belvedere on Fri/Sat prob doesn't help. I have seen results over the last 4 months but just not at the levels of the other parts of me. I'll have to try a bit harder on the diet.

Thanks.

[Sportsmedjosh]

Try using our weight loss tracker and seeing how many calories you actually consume in a day. It might not be the type of food but the caloric value of the food your eating that might be making the difference.

[Sportsmedjosh]

any updates bro?

[Raindown]

Yep. I've been keeping it up for what seems a while now. Been getting great results overall. I still got a bit of pudge in the middle but I'm working on that. I can't say that indulging in LA's nightlife helps but I try. I actually had a girl nudge pass me, clutching my arm she had to stop and admire its firmness. That’s a first in my book but that’s a story for BF.OT =P.

In fact I think its time for some self-inflicted arse beating today.

[Sportsmedjosh]

glad to hear that your seeing results. What have you been doing.

[Raindown]

I have been lifting Mon, Wed, Fri and straight cardio of some sort Tues and Thurs. When I lift to try to do a total body work out at a semi brisk pace. I usually do two exercises at once, one right after the other then rest 45 secs between. IMO results are the only thing that keeps me going...well that and guilt I do need to step it up a bit last week was sad compared to other weeks.

Edited for readability, because of my lazy Monday grammar.

[Sportsmedjosh]

you lost me on the last couple sentences.

[Detritus]

I have the same sort of problem as you, after a bit of research i realise that alot of people work their abs every single day. So after every workout i do sets of crunchs and then "the plank" which will generaly work your core.

There are also loads of wonderful machines that work your obliques and what not

[E36Guy]

Originally Posted by Detritus

I have the same sort of problem as you, after a bit of research i realise that alot of people work their abs every single day. So after every workout i do sets of crunchs and then "the plank" which will generaly work your core.

There are also loads of wonderful machines that work your obliques and what not

Yeah, I really noticed a big improvement in my abs when i started including them in everyday activities.. I even found that if I was watching any TV, I would make myself get up and do a few sets of pushups and crunches during every commercial break. You'd be suprised at how quickly you will find watching TV will make you tired. 2

However, as Josh pointed out, diet is big. I could see improvements because Im on a reverse diet (trying to add weight). If you are trying to lose weight, the changes in your abs might not show through as quickly.

[The League Champ]

Just stick your thumb in your belly button and pull your fat flat. Then you will see your abs, if you've been working them hard enough and you'll feel better about yourself. Just don't look in the mirror without doing that haha! :thinker