Expert: Kim Farmer - 11/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: hi i am a young teen years old(140lb 5ft inch).  i have done crunches and used my abb-lounge but my tummy wont go away.  my weight goes up and down and i want to look fit.  what can i do? any suggestions that wont really involve being on my back on the floor (i have a sensitive back).

ANSWER: Hello Elyse-
Thank you for the question, and the ab lounge is a great tool for people with back problems, keep using it.  It sounds like you need to incorporate more cardiovascular exercises into your program since that is what will help you get rid of excess fat in your abdomen area.  Assuming you are healthy, you can generally do cardio 4-5 days/week for about 30 minutes per session.  Also, pay careful attention to what you are eating since that can pack on excess fat if you are not careful.  Do you have a stability ball?  You can use that to do sit ups on since the floor bothers your back.  This will allow you to do situps with only your lower back on the ball.

I hope this helps, thanks for the question.

Kim Farmer
ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
www.MileHighFitness.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for your reply. i forgot to say i don't have the ab-lounge anymore.  i do have a smart-abs exercise machine.  And what other work outs can i do to tone my legs? what kinds of food should i stay away from?

thanks again, Elyse

Answer
Hi Elyse-
I'm not sure what a smart-abs exercise machine is, but I'm assuming it allows you to tone your abdominal muscles without your back being on the floor which is great for you.  As for toning your legs, try doing exercises like squats, lunges, calf raises, rear leg lifts, outer thigh lifts, etc.  Keep doing the cardio so that you can lose excess fat from your legs too.


As for foods to avoid, try to minimize your intake of foods containing trans fat like chips, cookies, crackers, and other baked goods.  Usually these snacks have refined sugar which is also not good for your weight loss efforts.  Try drinking lots of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables (about 3-5 servings) and avoid drinking sodas and sugary juices.

I hope this helps, thanks for the follow up.

Kim Farmer
ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
www.MileHighFitness.com