Need suggestions with toning/strengthening the abdomen and stomach area.

[Silvaranth]

Hey, everyone - I'm 15, 98 pounds, and stand somewhere in between 5'4" and 5'5". I am not what people would consider fat, or even chubby, but there is one problem I want to solve: my belly. It's doesn't spill over the hem of my pants or anything of that sort, but there IS a slight bulge to it (as well as a thin layer of fat on my upper abdomen), and that's why I'm looking to get rid of - maybe it's not too big of a deal, but... everyone knows us teenagers. ;Þ

 

I do abdominal exercises regularly (every other day, along with other exercises - I also take dance), and there's been some improvement, but not too much. I do not believe I've lost any of the "fat," but I HAVE gained some definition. So my question is... does anyone have any suggestions to getting rid of that little bulge? It's not a big issue, but I would like to have a flat stomach sometime soon. I enjoy exercising, and I'm willing to try out new things, so please, throw in those suggestions! ;D

 

And two questions that do not quite relate with what I was talking about:

1. Is it true that you gain fat more easily if you sit down (or are not active) right after you eat? (So says my mom.)

2. Am I extremely underweight? My frame is slender and I am small-boned, but I'm aware that the average female my age and height is perhaps 20 or so pounds heavier.

 

Thanks! =)

[Frodo]

The key is body fat percentage. it's possible that you're a fat thin person. Meaning youre muscle mass is so low, that you're body fat percentage is too high nonetheless

 

If you have a tape measure, this site will calculate your bodyfat percentage.

 

You'd actually have to gain weight (in the form of muscle) to get that tight ab look.

 

But... because you're a teenage girl, you weigh under 100 lbs, and you think you're too fat, that sounds the anorexia alarm for me. You don't have to look like a professional dancer or model you know. After you're no longer in the fat zone, having a cheery disposition and not being too selfish are what matters in attraction for women.

[Silvaranth]

But... because you're a teenage girl, you weigh under 100 lbs, and you think you're too fat, that sounds the anorexia alarm for me. You don't have to look like a professional dancer or model you know. After you're no longer in the fat zone, having a cheery disposition and not being too selfish are what matters in attraction for women.

Well, it is only the stomach area that I'd like to improve. And I'm sure I don't have anorexia - I don't starve myself or do anything "drastic" to lose weight or try and make myself any thinner - I know I am not "too fat."

 

But thank you for responding. =)

[Caddy]

I have a pilates ball that I do crunches on everyday. And after I finish my crunches, I also continue my workout with cardio. You can have abs of steel, but if you have a layer of fat over them, cardio is a sure way to burn it off. Good luck to you in the battle of the buldge!