[marih]

I have just started combining strength training with cardio and have been reading a lot of contradictory advice about proper exercises for my apple body shape.

I feel like my body shape is so IMPOSSIBLE to work with, but I also want to try out the best strategy for balancing out my shape. I've read some other related threads and have seen that squats and lunges are very important. But can other women with apple body shapes tell me what specific routines they focused on as they lost weight? And what worked best for them? I want to get the closest I possibly can to an hour glass figure (which I'm sure isn't close at all). Thanks in advance

[jamsk8r]

I started out as an "apple" shape, I guess, but didn't do anything special as far as exercises for it. Maybe you can do something with a bodybuilding approach to lifting. I don't lift that way, so can't help, but there is plenty of info and support on the web, I'm sure. Maybe check out Body for Life as a starting point, and check out some of the bodybuilder forums on the web? Good luck with your goals!

[Mel]

I'm a classic apple- every gained ounce goes to my midsection and boobs. I didn't do anything special either, except eat as clean as possible, and workout with as much intensity as possible.

One of the effects of the type of workouts that I do is that my already broad shoulders and back are accentuated- lots of pull ups and push ups and olympic lifting- this makes my non-existent waist look slightly smaller.
Mel

[sacha]

Body changes from weight training can take a long time - get yourself on a solid beginner program and worry about those details later.

[marih]

Thanks

[slimshadee]

I think if we focus on cardio and weight training for the whole body, the weight will come off bringing us down to our proportioned size. Then we focus on sculpting to give us that desired hourglass shape. This is a guess, but this is what keeps me motivated in the gym! I remember having hips when I was slim Good luck!

[Just Dance Girl]

I am an apple shape, fat and bad eating goes right to my belly. I have found that straight out cardio really does nothing for my belly, BUT South Beach diet does! and Tae-Bo has been the best for strengthening by abs and lower back so that my belly doesn't stick out so much.

2 weeks of South beach and Tae Bo (Get Ripped) will cause me to lose a pant size or two and I feel/look great.