How To Get Abs (For the First Time)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- Wondering how to get abs for the first time? Here’s what you need to know.
I’m going to tell you right now that often the first time you attempt to see your abs the process is often more difficult than you’d expect.
There are going to be mistakes, and frustrations and it’s going to take a lot longer than you’d like because your body will fight against you.
Our body, just like our minds, doesn’t like change and will resist it.
Sounds fabulous, right?!
But honestly, as much as we like to try not to focus on the negative,
I think it is key we face the obstacles and struggles going in so we are prepared for them.
Too often we try to ignore that there will be challenges and that ultimately sets us up for failure.
If you want to learn how to get abs for the first time I want to share 5 things to be aware of in the process of trying to reach a new level of leanness you’ve never achieved before so you can be prepared to stick with the process!
The comments criticizing her make-up are distracting from the worthwhile comments about the value of the information she is giving. Please grow up.
And the first thing I wanted to comment on is the makeup. Hideous. She should not use it, at least not that much. It doesn't fit in the whole picture of what she stands for nor doest it fit her. It looks like a bit scary, she is much nicer with no make-up.
@@valeriaVPV Agree!
The video is a yr old
Thanks for the video. Been exercising almost every day for 2.5 months now, lost 2 inches on the waist but nothing from my lower stomach area, which has been the initial goal ( it looks worse now 😂). The weight doesn’t go down either (5’3”, 119 pounds)… it’s really frustrating and discouraging at times, as i kind of feel tired all the time. And yes i don’t eat dairy products, no processed foods either, no bread or pasta, no sweets (except for occasional dark chocolate, which i just need to survive 😅), i drink nothing but water, have cut down on starches, main source of carbs is fruit. I try eating more protein. Seems my body is really great at fighting.
It sounds like you're just hitting that hard place where you need to just stay consistent. Not do more. Just keep going. You're losing fat and often the places we want to change are the last to!
Just going on my experience with fruit .Ferry fruits gave my bloating & I only eat fruit first thing in the morning bcos eating them after other foods it sits & "Cook's" in yr tummy as all foods digest at a different pace .protein,carbs take longer than the fruit
Some fruits r worse than others for me .I'm good with papaya, pineapple berries.. not apples,pears,mandariness.
I just don't eat so much fruit as I thght it's healthy.its ok.But I can't handle too much fructose from the fruit .I get blocked & bloated 😊
Fruit is still sugar,like honey ,even if it's a healthier form of sugar
@@sabine4867 thanks, very true. But the amount i eat is moderate and it's mainly half a banana every couple of days, some strawberries and mulberry.
@@gayane_igityan It sounds like you're at a lean weight for your height.
@@kims1941 I am on a leaner side though with my quite broad shoulders i have never been able to achieve that elegant skinny look. Currently i just want to look toned and have a flat stomach... don't even need that much definition.
The scales that said OMG was very funny!
Dios eres genial, mil gracias por educarnos tan bien, explicas de una forma que hasta un niño de 4 años podría entenderlo, por otra parte adoro tu canal en Español, a veces no es facil encontrar personas tan capacitadas para ayudarnos. Nueva suscriptora
Glad the tips help!
I do all these things, but have loose skin from pregnancy. I’ll Never see my six pack again😢
Criticizing her eye make up won’t give you Abs like her, but listening to her tips will 😆🙏🏽
Right but I have to say for honest video feedback and as to comparison to some of her other material - when watching her in this particular video, I find the eye make-up so beyond that it is distracting and worth noting to the creator if the creator is interested in learning any feedback. Sometimes I mention those things not to insult but for honest feedback - when asked of course. With that said - Miss Redefining Strength - I like you either way and I appreciate what I can learn for free from you by simply getting on youtube. :)
😂😂😂
This commentary was awesome. I really needed to hear this because sometimes when I look in the mirror I look at my C-pouch, and get so discouraged. I work out four days a week, drink plenty of water, intake my proteins ,and carbs, and sometimes I just don’t feel satisfied with the results. This was very motivating to hear her say that this is a very slow process.
It is! And when you have scar tissue, changes can take a bit longer as there was a HUGE trauma to our body we don't often recognize. That c-section may impact muscle activation even so please give yourself grace Tana! You're doing the right things. Stay focused on those amazing healthy changes you beautiful beastette!
You can eat more healthy fats like Avocados, Seeds and Nuts, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Organic and Pasture Raised Eggs, Dark Chocolate, Fatty Fish, Olives, and Organic and/or Pasture Raised Butter. These are good and healthy fats that will help keep you satiate. Hope this helps you.
@petiteTana I feel the same way at times. We are worthy and capable. 👍🏻💐👊🏻
Corie always does an amazing job giving quality information that is easily understood by most. She is a gem !
does a great job staring into my soul
I don't care about abs, I just want to have more muscle. and less fat. this was really informative. I always wonder why I get fatter when I am doing a lot of weight lifting. It always makes me quit, simply from demotivation, but maybe I will stick it out. peri-menopause sucks. 😓
Perimenopause can change how we need to fuel and train. And so much of the body recomp we have comes back to our macros. If we adjust our macros to match our training we can build muscle and lose fat. It's just a slow and precise process the further we want to take it. Here's also some nutritional tips my Lead Dietitian Michelle wrote up to help with weight loss during peri-menopause - drive.google.com/file/d/1yLPIvLnNR7h8stVbe4aGY1DW_9N0fidB/view
I am 67 and have been an ultra runner for the last 15 years. I burn so many calories everyday that I thought I could eat anything that wasn't nailed down because of my daily caloric deficit. The problem was yes, I was in cardio shape and thin, but I still had a bit of a gut and I knew I had to give up sugar and certain carbs. It was a struggle, but I managed to do it, added more protein, did my core workouts, and I was able to see my stomach slowly get tighter. It took about 6 months.
Btw, love the makeup, but you look beautiful either with or without it.
Thank you! And love that you made those small changes to help with body recomp! Keep it up! It's not easy sometimes to step back and adjust when things have "worked" in the past. But we always need to tweak and adjust to meet our body where it is at right now!
Make up on her eyes looks weird.
I love that you are strong af, incredibly smart, show up as your beautiful all-natural self, and sometimes glammed up and gorgeous. You are authentic and an awesome role model!
Aw shucks well thanks! I'm flattered! Glad the videos help!
My favorite form of exercise is walking, so hearing that it helps with fat loss was super motivating! I love going for a long walk either before or after a workout and going on longer hikes on the weekends 😊
I agree! Walking is so stress relieving! I especially love nature walking so now that it's winter, I really miss it.
I turn 53 in a week and have been in a deficit working on that last 5-6 lbs. Not an easy task. I'm in the best shape, am doing all that you've just laid out, have a great trainer and still totally needed to hear this video. Love your stuff. Don't quit gang!
As others have stated, this video is the motivation I needed, thank you! ❤💪🏽
There's a lot of information in this video, and thankfully no BS. I'm going to have to watch this again with a notepad and pen.
Cory looking so pretty and your body looks competition ready
Aw shucks thanks! But I'm actually no where near lean enough for the stage. Those competitors are amazing in their consistency and dedication to get to that level!
Very helpful and inspiring , thanks.. i need to lose 30-40 pounds due to bad a disc.
Doing that prehab work is so key as you slowly rebuild and dial in your nutrition. So glad these tips helped! Also here are some tips if you are just starting to track your food - redefiningstrength.com/fhp-s2e21-starting-to-count-macros-5-tips-for-beginners/
She rocks the makeup she looks fantastic so those who hate her make up move on
Love when you post videos like this. You always nail it!! Also gives me that boost to remember whats going on and why. Thankyou!!
Aw yay! So glad it helps!
💜 this video! Very informative. I'm 61,getting back into hitting the gym & getting healthier. Lack of energy is a big deterrent. Wishing y'all blessings!
So glad it helps! Here are some more tips if you're starting back to training I think will help - redefiningstrength.com/fhp-s2e19-starting-back-avoid-these-4-common-training-mistakes/
@ redefining strength,Thank you!
Thank you so much for your videos!! You are helping me change my life ❤️
So much quality information packed into your video (as usual 😃). Thanks for doing such a great job on this vid, I'll be using it and forwarding it to my sisters as well. 👍
I discovered your channel when looking for a quick full body stretching routine and I'm glad I did. Your videos are awesome. Straight, true, no nonsense advice. Love it.
people are so critical
so what if she's channeling katie perry
she's actually very cute and
so smart about physical transformation!!
Meh it was fun to do some make up and hair looks. Gotta enjoy life! :-)
So… on the planning ahead segment at 6:19….
Coming home after work and not having food ready….
Rummaging through the pantry…
I bet there exactly zero people on here who don’t see themselves in that scene.
My old doctor once said,” after a certain point in life, anything that keeps your head out of the fridge is exercise.” He was a pretty realistic guy.
I find having leftovers at that time SO key and having that clear plan in place for accountability. So easy once you start the pantry game to then lead into the "one more" game!
I like the doctor’s humor!
@@birdlover7776 Doc Allen. He was a good man.
He also said that if you live long enough eventually you’ll die of cancer.
Right again.
Miss him
@@tridelltransportation3603 awww. Sounds like a good man and Doctor . Blessings 🌈
Thank you so much!! I was feeling very discouraged that my results are slow. My husband says he notices a huge difference but I do t and was wanting to give up. You have encouraged me to continue. Thank you!!!!
Yes, such encouraging information to help us through different stages of weight loss and/or muscle gain.
You exude vitality. Thank you. You then share widely. Thank you again!
But I heard one point that is untrue. This earth LOVES change. And bodies are made of earth-stuff, are they not?
I just went for a run, added a lap, the earth right there with me, laughing and loving the change:)
Shredded and beautiful! 💪🏾 🏋 She must be doing something right
hellow cori first off,i am a 69 year old male looking to get my abs to show by my 70th birthday which is in 9 weeks,i started this process in febuary,at that time i was 233 pounds at 37% body fat,i got a dexa scan,2 weeks ago and i have lost 23 pounds of fat,while only losing one pound of lean mass,which from my stand point is not a bad trade-off,however that being said i made a few adjustments in training and diet so when i go for my next dexa scan i will show continued fat loss and show total muscle retention,and maybe show an increase in muscle mass,one can only hope lol.anyway yur content is great this video is the best i have seen on this topic,so i am now a subsciber,and will definetly recommend yur channel to both male and female friends,i havent seen my abs sense the end of marine corps boot camp 48 years ago,i am totally commited to this and yur video has been a great shot in the arm,thank-you and keep up the good work.
Happy early birthday Steve! Stay consistent and remember you can't rush the process! And thank you. Glad the videos help!
Thank you! I appreciate the truth bullet... This is a very slooooow process. I have been consistently loosing fat for 5 months and sometimes mentally it's very taxing. This video helped me a lot already. Thank you!
I'm so glad it helped!
Thank you for your videos, I am always at the brink of just being lean and the water "bloat" that you talk about is so discouraging. This is when I tend to just give up thinking that that's just my body type. I am currently there and just needed a breakthrough, so this video was just what I needed to hear! My fear has always been just not being able to get to that point of leaness and to maintain. In my younger years, it was easy to just diet and "lose" the fat, but to keep it going is the challenge that I am facing at this point in my life.
I click like before I've even started watching because I know I'm going to learn sth every time!!! Thank you Cori!
I think I have a water weight problem. I am drinking 3.7lts a day, and when I go to bed, I just feel stuffed bloated, so I want to keep hydrated. I am 70 years old and type 2 diabetes what would be a good balance?
I am active with walking and biking thanks
Have you talked to your doctor about that or seen a dietitian to review food logs and determine what may be causing the bloating?
Advice for someone with neck and back conditions that prevent a person from doing sit ups and lifting heavy weights? It's frustrating.
Thank you for this video, your advice and compassion is wonderful.
I have been training in various forms for many years now, and i have struggled with the fact i would always get where I wanted to be then it would inevitably be lost too soon. I know my largest problem was a lack of self compassion, and understanding that sometimes you need those moments where you are less strict to keep back the cravings and also enable some 'normality' and fun in life, like you said drinking cocktails and calorific foods on trips out with friends and family!
Thank you for sharing the woes as well as the pro's of getting that leaner physique, that can really make the process more human, too often we treat our bodies like a machine and want fast, permanent results.. I wish I had had access to this type of insightful self compassion, understanding and knowledge years ago.
Thank you for helping be part of changing the (too often) fitness community ego and 'get good' attitude for compassion and understanding of the science behind it all.
Thank you. I also needed to hear this today and trust the process. Just started strength training for the first time. A week today and the scales not looking good although I ate healthy & within my macros.
Being lean has never been a problem for me. I don’t get food cravings unless my stomach is empty. So I don’t need to lose weight but do need to build muscle. Cardio is motivating by itself but omg having to lift something or challenge those muscles makes me want to step on the treadmill.
Can you explain how and when to tweak/ cycle your macros and calories?
Always good info from you!This is a reminder to me to move more (walk) and not overtrain b/c. A few years ago I was walking 10k+ steps daily and seen body comp changes.
Thanks Sara! So glad it helps!
Corey, you are right on with those mental challenges! No one that I've watched on TH-cam has ever discussed and stressed on these very real and difficult mental and physical challenges with such precision and clarity. I find all your video clips extremely insightful and wise in their instruction. You are not only a great fitness guide but an excellent motivator. Thank you.🙏
Thank you! I'm so glad they help. I honestly think embracing the negative and owning it is key. Too often we don't recognize the challenges which doesn't allow us to plan for them!
Great advice as usual! Just want to add that I got down to my lowest weight (112 lbs. 5'4") & still had a "not flat" belly but, thankfully, was able to figure out that I was stuck in an anterior pelvic tilt so perhaps you could speak to that? I ended up having to work on regaining functional (360 diaphragmatic) breathing 1st & foremost. As much as I did the proper ab exercises, I was literally fighting against the tension of my diaphragm & transverse abdominals not releasing. I was never looking for ripped abs but just a flat belly which seemed almost unattainable for a pretty long time! Once I figured out the breathing part, it all, thankfully, went very quickly & I was able to eat my favorites which is a gut-friendly plant-based diet as well as eat when I'm hungry & not when I'm not. So impressed by all the work & research that goes into your amazing videos!!!
That's amazing! It's nice when those small tweaks lead to big changes. Keep up the hard work 💪
@@redefiningstrengthOC Thank you so much!! From what I've learned about the breath, once you get out of "flight or fight" with your breathing (which I'm guessing many of us are in for various reasons), it's easier to lose weight, especially belly fat. I easily over-ate in the past. Fortunately I was never overweight but I could see the pounds creeping on with age. Since my breathing has improved, I never get cravings & just thinking about overeating makes me sick. I can't even go there if I wanted to! If you're interested in learning more, check out Oxygen Advantage, James Nestor & Original Strength you haven't already. Your videos & your attention to detail are truly incredible & inspiring!!
I miss my abs I haven’t seen them in two years !!!
Hope these tips help you start making some tweaks! Small changes add up!
Thank you. Helpful. Your better informative than my nutritionist.
Your awesome thank you finally sombody that explains it well
I am trying so hard to get the definition that you have but I can't seem to get there lol....
The part about looking worse and parts of the body looking bigger really hits the feels. My lower back fat is my biggest insecurity, and while I´m losing weight now, im getting these striated veiny shoulders, bicep veins and all that, even some stripes and veins on my chest. I can start to see my upper abs a bit and then I pull my pants down and BAM these fat pads on my hips ruining the whole aesthetic.
Thank god they can be covered by pulling my pants a lil higher, so I still look much much better than before but damn, I dont wanna be naked in front of a mirror yet lmao
So, what type of workouts should be paired with 6-pack macros? Originally I would have assumed cardio-intensive progressions or density training where you keep moving. However, during the body recomposition podcast, my big takeaway was that heavy lifts with adequate rest between sets is important as well as less intense cardio. Now I'm wondering what pairs perfectly?
Thanks for all the great videos! They never disappoint!
Yes!! I’m struggling to become lean!
Hope these tips helped!
Needed to hear this thank you
Thank you Cori, awesome as ever xo 😘🤸♂️🏋️♀️🥰
Yes it’s hardest battle for me to lose midsection 😱😱
Thank you information
Thank you for this video. I'm starting from zero and just coming across your videos.
If you're just starting back to training as well, here are some tips to help - redefiningstrength.com/fhp-s2e19-starting-back-avoid-these-4-common-training-mistakes/
Thank you thank you for addressing beginners and explaining it all.
Really great informative helpful advice!!
She never blinks
Her eyes are on the prize. Cori looks AMAZING.
You earned a subscriber because you didn't use the words "fast" or "easy" to describe this process. Because as you said, it isn't. I know since my diet and exercise plan are solid that I'll get to see my abs, but it'll take time. For years, I ate poorly and didn't exercise enough and my body isn't going to shed that fat accumulation in just 60-90 days. While having vids that say "get ripped in just 30 days" is easy clickbait, it's going to result in a lot of people getting discouraged when it doesn't happen quickly for them. As you said, having a solid plan and being consistent over time will make it happen.
When people ask me how long it was between even two of my photos, while I will state the time, I will also say "My entire life." Because I do think everything we've done prior to even starting a specific plan or progression factors in. It impacts the discomfort we are comfortable with, the changes mentally we can handle, even how fast our body will respond! Keep at it! You've got this!
Good messaging here. Respect.
I appreciate you so much !! You’re amazing
I love the makeup look, ur fire woman!!!! SMART, STRONG, BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Your hair looks great darker!😊
Thanks! It was a fun experiment!
I'm ready for my 6 pack. Wish me luck
Have you ever used one of the electric muscle stimulators?
Here's my situation . I've recently been told that women usually don't naturally have defined abs or a six pack. That kinda seems odd to me. That doesn't explain the abs/core that I've seen on certain people (i,e Janet Jackon, Jennifer Lopez, fitness competitors, every gymnast in forever and yourself. You have all had or currently have strong defined abs. To me it means putting in the work to build a strong, defined core on a consistent basis. So this video was uploaded just in time. And the info you gave was very helpful.
Women don't naturally have visible abs and you shouldn't even try b/c the female body is not equipped to handle such low levels of body fat. You're going to wreck your hormones, mood, and strength. Definitely don't try it if you plan on getting pregnant any time soon b/c you will become infertile during the process.
0:15 LIESSSS!
The body does not fight when my lean physique changes to fat. 😭😭
It's very unfair. 😭
Thank you for such valuable content. Thank you thank you thank you
Thank you for posting this. I need it.
VERY NICE TIPS!
Nice change in your hair and make up. Thank you for such informative and well researched tips. “Haters gon hate”
Not sure who the hatters are. I dont hear any hate here……nothing mean or disrespectful………..
@@parisex4 her last video had haters- and your comment furthur down ..
Thanks Diane! So glad the videos help!
If I misconstrued, I apologize. I may be a little overprotective as I value this influencer and the time and quality given. I can watch myself more closely.. thank you.
If you discuss intermittent fasting anywhere in your videos, would like to see it. Long fasts are the only weight loss stategy that works for me.
I did a video on IF a little while ago! th-cam.com/video/xiRKuYJeFfo/w-d-xo.html
I say yourself relationship date story gym and karate sports boxy ? Jean Claude van Damme relationship date story gym and karate sports boxy ? I look really don't tell jean Claude van Damme story ? I think walk cool a date ???? Hhhmm!
Are you single ?? ❤
Another thing to note is that you don't have to hard maintain that super six pack 365. If you get down to 18% for a holiday vacation, you can still be lean and fit at 22% as your daily. While massive swings are unhealthy, a 4-8lb spread over the whole year is pretty normal and your actresses, models, or professional bodybuilders aren't rock hard and lean every day of the year
Thanks for this information. I'm training for a movie that involves boxing. I need to drop 50 pounds and get 'fight shape' ready, which means lean, but muscular.
I appreciate you so much! Thanks for sharing with us ❤
Hallo
I follow your great work quite a long time and I hope you don’t get me wrong. But if I compare you earlier videos with you newest I have to say, you are not looking very well and healthy today. May be you lost to much of your bodyweight?
Thanks for your work. I do weights at home to gain muscle mass without losing weight, but I noticed that I lose weight and that's not what I want. Now I quit because it all seems useless. I only see muscle when I flex my arm, otherwise nothing, and I'm tired of always being told I've lost weight! Everything I do is useless because I keep eating normally three times a day, but more than that I find it hard. If you have any advice, I welcome it
Hey Cori, Big fan here.
I've come down from 82 kgs to 68 kgs and am plateued there since a long time now. I'm find the next stretch harder. My exact blockage right now is NEAT principle. I work as a research editor and analyst, so the nature of my job is reading-based. This means that I sit for 2.5hours or so at a stretch with full concentration. So I'm unable to break away from my desk and just do step counts or increase movement. Any advice or tips??
Wow anybody felt soreness?
Ufff...if you hear loud your heat beating there are obliques behind
Those 6 packs are made with many training hours, tough, unnatural movements, heavy weights and no sugars.
accountability is huge for me, I post on IG my work outs. If I don't I feel like I failed anyone that is watching my video's, it a great motivator
Thank you so much for the tips and tricks Cori!
Great big picture refresher, I needed to pump the brakes and not allow my enthusiasm to do more and more intense training potentially impeding my progress in my recomposition plan. Im a fan, thanks.
Wow those abs and that back is impressive!!!! Goals❤
Thanks!
Love this 🫶🏽
I would say try the Nicole Ritchie diet. Just stop eating. 😅
Thank you for this!
Thanks so much for the video. The water explanation was surprising! This is exactly what i needed hear.
Thank you!!
Good video Cory and I love that you give real advice, that it's not easy to do and takes a lot of work. Everyone else out there makes it sound easy, like all you have to do is be in a caloric deficit and move more. But it's much more than that as you said. What are some good ab exercises that are NOT crunches, and ones that won't compromise your low back? Also, what kind of harness do you have for dogs, I really like it and it's hard to find a good one. Thanks for all you do.
At 5:12 you mention a big investment of money in the process - what did you need to invest in to get abs?
I don't do any of these abs workout, but when I suck my abs in, you can see a 6 pack. It's just au naturale.
Love that you naturally have the aesthetic you want! :-)
@@redefiningstrengthOC Sorry, I was just jesting with you. That was a gracious response.
stop staring like that or don't do drugs before each video
What macro percentage should I strive to achieve
*************HAVING OBVIOUS, APPARENT ABS IS SOOOOOOOO GENETIC AS WELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think enough people communicate this very fact. I took ab classes from an ab instructor that had been teaching for 10+ years, but no clear cut 6 pack because it just wasn't in her genetics. You could feel that she had it but to the naked eye and even an extremely low fat %, it was not apparent like we see in the media and online, etc. You're welcome!
I disagree. While I do think what body fat percentage we need varies and where we store fat varies, and even how our abs appear varies, I can tell you as someone who never had abs, got skinny and still didn't have abs, then finally adjust macros and saw definition, too often we write off what we can achieve saying it isn't in our genetics...when actually it is possible for us. You can go back through my videos and see the HUGE shifts in my body recomp.
New sub finally an female view thats usable thank you.
Thank you, thank you! Your honesty is Soooo refreshing and encouraging!
Are the tips you give here the same or similar if your not so much going for abs but loosing excess fat and just a generally leaner body?
Can someone with a very short torso achieve visible abs?
Thank you. Listening to you in this video just took off months of emotional stress from my mind. Don't get me wrong, I have been maintaining the best mental balance I could as I continue on my physical health journey, but it's SO DAMN HARD. So hard to keep digging from the barrel of positivity (it does run out from time to time!), so hard to keep motivating yourself (esp if none of your friends are trying to be healthy too), so hard to keep being your own cheerleader and coach at the same time. I needed this supportive chat. It's one of the most informative I have found, and I have watched many to learn.
So glad it helped! I think sometimes we do need that outside perspective and even someone else reminding us that it IS HARD to help us keep going and pushing through! You've got this!
Thank you for your inspiration. Your videos are great and I love the information. I joined and have been consistently going to hot yoga for 7 months and started killer water aerobics 3 months ago. I'm now doing squats, pushups and 3 types of crunches as of 2 weeks ago, and the pool I joined has a gym. I'm dealing with a lot of pervious bone injuries, (ski racing blowouts), former yo yo weight loss and gain. I'm really looking forward to the gym and taking a crack at some of the cool exercises you demonstrate. Love your nutrition info and support and honest sharing. Have a good one!
Glad the videos help! Regress to progress and focus on that slow build and mobility work in every warm up! It will be key! And dialing in that nutrition to support your training will only add even more benefit!
I'm late to the party but wanted to thank you for your honest and helpful advice in this and your other videos. The most valuable thing I've learned from your channel is something I think I've known at a gut level but sometimes need reminding: it takes patience and time to see changes and achieve our goals--especially when we are near the end. It's been almost 2 years since I decided it was time to get serious about getting in shape. I was "skinny fat" for years, just doing yoga and jogging all through peri-menopause and into menopause. I was almost resolved to losing muscle and gaining belly fat as "part of aging," and tried to console myself with the sad fact that I looked and functioned better than most people my age... But it was a small consolation.
I started out by decreasing my carb intake, increasing my fat and protein intake, and adding various HIIT workouts to my routine using light weights, and those changes helped up to a point. Last summer I started lifting heavier dumbbells and focusing more on building muscle. Once I started seeing results, it was SO exciting and motivating!!! I hadn't lifted weights in over 15 years, and when I was younger and lifted regularly, I never pushed myself all that much as I figured my skinny "ectomorph" frame wasn't capable of building muscle like naturally muscular people. At almost 54, I feel stronger and fitter than I thought possible. I don't own a scale so it's easy for me not to obsess over weight as a number, but I know I've lost fat and gained muscle through getting serious with weight training and cutting out most grains and carbs, along with some intermittent fasting. In addition to weight lifting about 2.5 hours per week, I now walk almost every day and try to do yoga and run sprints about once per week. I find the better I feel, the more I *want* to do.
I can very much relate to feeling like my belly is looking worse after losing fat... Realistically, I know it doesn't look worse than before (I can actually see my ab muscles for the first time in ages); but relative to the rest of my body it's discouraging to have a thin layer of stubborn cellulite on my lower belly that seems to be taking forever to go away. It IS diminishing over time though, very slowly, so I'm optimistic that with more patience and time it will eventually be gone. I don't want to look skeletal in my face and other body parts, so hopefully that won't happen before I lose the last of the belly fat 🙏 If my tiny amount of remaining belly fat weren't in the form of cellulite I would be fine with it, but alas, the tiniest amount of extra fat on my belly always looks like cellulite. I don't have the patience to count calories, but so far I have been able to break through plateaus by tweaking one thing or another to see what works without feeling too restrictive. Lately, increasing my protein seems to be helping. Thanks again for being such an inspiration ☺
Love that you're focusing on learning and tweaking and continuing forward. Those changes take time and often far more time than we'd like. But the only way to see progress is to keep pushing forward!