Please help - Fat burning problem

[missfitness]

Hi Guys,
I need some advice on how to burn fat from my hips and top's of my legs!
Are there any good exercises I can do to target this problem?
I have been training for many years but only now taking a serious approach to weight training and cardio.
Also, can women drink too much water? I drink loads but feel that it bloats my mid-section, should I drink less?
Some info about me;
26yr old female
training 3yrs, last year training 4 times a week with weights/cardio
5ft 3ins
weight - 115lbs

Thanks
KW

[ckn]

Originally Posted by missfitness

Hi Guys,

Hello

I need some advice on how to burn fat from my hips and top's of my legs!
Are there any good exercises I can do to target this problem?
I have been training for many years but only now taking a serious approach to weight training and cardio.

The easiest way to lose fat is through cardio work and controlling your diet properly. Eat less, do more.

If you can afford it, get yourself a heart-rate monitor. I use a Suunto T6 with its chest band to track my heart rate during exercise. Work out your max heart rate, this thread is a good place to start. Once you have it, tailor your exercising to do at least 2-3 sessions per week where your heart rate is 75-85% of your max for at least 20-30 minutes, preferably 40-50 minutes for a fit person. Maintaining exercise in this heart-rate zone is by far the best way to burn fat.

My wife does a lot of step aerobics at home to allow her to tailor the exercise to her needs, it's a lot more customisable that way rather than having to go to a gym with a set class.

The other side of this is to eat healthily and ensure you're getting the right foods into your system to keep going. A lot of people dieting don't understand that severely cutting food intake can actually result in long-term weight GAIN as the body will go into self-preservation mode and start hoarding any food it actually does get.

Also, can women drink too much water? I drink loads but feel that it bloats my mid-section, should I drink less?

2ltrs per day for non-active lifestyles minimum. Add exercise loss resupply and you can up that quite a bit. For example, on a hard rugby day, I can easily drink 4 ltrs and still feel dehydrated.

Your bloatedness may be because your body is just not used to taking in that amount of water. Try sipping it over a period of time or having small glasses. I fill a 2ltr bottle every morning and keep it by my desk, by the time I stop work I expect to have finished it.

Some info about me;
26yr old female
training 3yrs, last year training 4 times a week with weights/cardio
5ft 3ins
weight - 115lbs

Thanks
KW

One point on those stats. The most basic BMI calculation puts you at around 20, suggesting that you are a healthy weight for your size and age. Do you REALLY need to lose weight? Ask a doctor or other independent health professional.

[lizzyb]

Hi! And welcome!

I agree that diet is the key element in fat loss. Make sure you are eating in defecit. Make sure you are eating enough protein to prevent muscle loss while leaning.
Since you came to the training journal section, I'd advise you to start a journal to keep track of your progress and get feedback as well. It's hard to say what needs tweeking when we don't know anything about what you are consuming or what your average workouts look like.

I think we probably are at the same place...as far as where we hold fats.
I am 5'2" and weigh 116.8lbs (let's say 117 to be fair). I am at a healthy BMI, and my bodyfat% is not considered unhealthy either......however, I do also carry some fat in those areas. I am currently leaning, for another month anyways. These things take time......be patient. There is no such thing as spot reducing either....as women, we hold our fat below the belt longer too.

Put up your meals and w/o's.....maybe we can help you better then..

[wildstang]

i'd also add some bcca's into your diet when cutting back on cals and protein to help keep muscle.

[vanessa40]

Hello..
You have got some great advice here..
The thing that helped me the most was journaling..it helps keep you honest..
Good luck..
Vanessa