TyneeDancer Posted February 23, 2008 Report Share Posted February 23, 2008 I've got this one spot around my middle that needs some toning. The only way to explain the area is if you put your hands on your hips and squeezed that's the spot I mean. Does anyone have any simple (or not so simple) exercises that will firm up the little bit of jiggle? I'm not worried about it or anything so don't misunderstand I'd just like to be in the best shape I can be. Thanks. TyneeDancer Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted February 23, 2008 Report Share Posted February 23, 2008 First, let's identify some terms here. Muscle tone refers to the constant state of contraction and release of the muscles of the body in order to maintain a normal posture. It has a secondary meaning of the "snappiness" of the muscles, how well they stretch and then return to neutral when they are released. You need to identify clearly what the little bit that jiggles is! Is it muscle? Then there are exercises for it. Is it fat? You're never going to get rid of every bit of body fat, no matter how hard you try. Is it water? No quick cures. You need to ask your family doctor what that is, and then you and s/he can work out a solution. In the meantime, a general regimen of Pilates, including apparatus, can't hurt. Link to comment
MJ Posted February 24, 2008 Report Share Posted February 24, 2008 Mel, Teeny, There is not suchj thing as spot toning, no matter what the infomercials on late night TV say. Diet and excercise (a good ballet class a few times a week) will help you lose some fat. The fat cells will remain, they are just smaller. Crunches and side crunches will make the stomach muscles shorter and tighter, that will help hide some fat. Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted February 24, 2008 Administrators Report Share Posted February 24, 2008 Excuse me, MJ, but do you fit into the 17-22 category? I have never seen you post here before. Link to comment
Natalie M Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 Mel, Teeny, There is not suchj thing as spot toning, no matter what the infomercials on late night TV say. Diet and excercise (a good ballet class a few times a week) will help you lose some fat. The fat cells will remain, they are just smaller. Crunches and side crunches will make the stomach muscles shorter and tighter, that will help hide some fat. Although I think I know what you were trying to say, let me correct you so others do not get confused... There is certainly such think as "spot-toning". This would be toning the mucsles is a certain spot, for example doing crunches tones your abdominal muscles. However, there is not "spot-reducing", or making the fat go away in a certain spot. Fat loss only occurs when your caloric intake is less then your burned calories. When that happens your body converts your body fat to energy to make up the difference between what you consumed and what you burned. You have no control over which store(s) of fat your body chooses, however. Thats why it can be dangerous to 'diet' in order to lose weight from one area, because you could become dangerously thin/unhealthy and still have a little fat in that spot. Sad, but true. The fat cells will always be there; when you lose weight they just get smaller. The only true remover of fat cells requires surgury. (I am certainly NOT advocating it! I'm just stating the facts!) Link to comment
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