From Muffin Top to Six-Pack: A Guide to Getting the Abs Everybody Wants

[Azure]

Meg-- Jen Heath, Alwyn Cosgrove? We admire a lot of the same people in the industry Are you a FitCast listener, too? She's a host on the show now! With T-Nation, I never assume that the writers of articles also chose the photos to put with it. The site is run by men and is read primarily by men...so of course, scantily-clad models are a part of their frequented repertoire.

I don't really want to be as ripped as the women in the article, but I'd like some ab definition I started out with large boobs (40 DDD) and after 30 pounds, I'm down to a 36 DD. My boobs are already getting a deflated look (the skin's not snapping back yet) and I've got 20 pounds to go! I'm more than prepared to see a plastic surgeon at the end of all this. If my skin doesn't snap into place like it should (and due to so much stretch-mark damage, I really don't think it's going to), I'm willing to get a tuck. If my boobs aren't going to look like I want them to with just a lift, I might get implants, too. I'm livin' in my body for the rest of my life, it might as well look like I want it to after all the hard work!

[BlueToBlue]

I've been thinking about this article more and have come up with the following thoughts:

1) Forget the women in those pictures, I'd like to have abs like Meg's.

2) Looking at the author's pictures on her web site, I find it really hard to believe that she acheived abs like that after giving birth to twins without a little surgical help. Thus, it really bugs me that she doesn't say anything about surgery in the article. Am I way off base here? Did she really get those abs without surgery?

3) I think the bit about burning 700 more calories after weight lifting is a load of . I work out with a trainer for an hour, three days a week, and he has me lifting pretty heavy weights. I eat less than 1300 calories a day; if I really burned 700 calories more, in addition to the calories I burn lifting weights, I would be wasting away to nothing when, in reality, it's all I can do to lose a pound per month. And it's not that my fat is being replaced with muscle, because my measurements are not getting any smaller either.

[Azure]

As far as I know, Jen hasn't had any plastic surgery post-twins. She's a host on a Podcast I listen to weekly and she's talked about working out while pregnant several times. She's never mentioned surgery. Though I'm sure if you e-mailed her and asked, she'd tell you. I e-mailed her a few months back and got a response back very promptly

I do know that when you lift heavy, you burn more calories than if you just did cardio. Reason being, that your body has to burn more calories in order to repair your muscles and try to get back to stasis. Alwyn Cosgrove calls it "Afterburn", Craig Ballintyne calls it "Turbulence"...but you burn more calories post-workout (for up to 24 hours, depending on how hard you pushed yourself) with heavy weights than with cardio--because cardio doesn't create that kind of metabolic disturbance. As for 700 calories (NOT including the calories burned during the workout), that does sound like hyperbole. If it INCLUDES the ~350 calories burned during a lifting session, then it could be possible.

I think an often overlooked part of losing weight while exercising (and ESPECIALLY) while lifting weights, and especially with the last 20 pounds or so, is that women don't eat enough calories. With more physical activity and with our bodies getting down to "normal" size, where they feel comfortable, eating really low calories I think does more harm than good metabolically. But, that's just my .02, based on what I've read...and it's how I'm going about trying to lose my last 20 pounds

[Jasmine31]

Shy mentioned getting great support bras. Any recommendations?

[Ready2BThinna]

Thanks for posting this article, Meg. This a.m. I've was seeking some immediate inspiration/information to balance my focus with the onslaught of holiday goodies. Totally share in NightengaleShane's sentiments - also appreciate the "soft femininity" of my body.

Nothing feels as wonderful to me as fitness - and how I miss that feeling! Jen Heath's suggestions have inspired me and the responses in this thread have been encouraging. I am reminded that it is always my choice.

Happy Thanksgiving all!

[Vintage Glamour]

Thanks for the article but I love the title of the article the most!

[mandygirl]

Great article...

[Rayelle]

Thanks for the article!

[rainlips]

I love that site so much!! I have learned a lot and there are so many helpfull women! I love that article!

[MissCely]

Great post, must read!

[Gossy]

I think Cardio is also necessary because it helps condition your heart and cardiovascular system. But I like the article overall.

I like the advice about "if you can shoot it or grow it, eat it." it's a nice simple way of thinking that you can grocery shop with.

[Jules88]

Thanks for the informative article.

[RunnerKim]

Originally Posted by kaw

Meg -- She quipped that she has three prescriptions for women who are concerned about saggy boobs: don't breastfeed, don't lose weight, and don't get old. So far, I'm oh for three...)

Kim

I have to whole-heartedly agree with this. I had a great "rack" prior to having my 2 daughters and nursing and then losing weight and oh yes...getting older! Once I reach my goal weight I am getting them done. Seriously. The rest of me looks good so I just want to enhance what once was great.

[glitterducky]

Thanks for posting. Some of these things I was doing wrong. Can't believe I wasted so much time doing so.

[glitterducky]

I re-read this. Those abs are not what I'm going for. A flatter tummy, yes, but I think some of those women look too manly for me. Clearly, professional body builders. I understand that is perfection for them, but I don't find that attractive. Good diet tips though to use, without being extreme.