"I've been weight training for several years but have always ignored cardio and ab work. Recently I've started to do simply crunches after every workout. Frustratingly, I can only do about 10 crunches before my abdominal muscles cramp up and leave me literally paralyzed in pain on the floor. I wish I were joking! Is it a case of having to gradually make my abs stronger? Is this unusual? Thanks in advance for your advice."

"Hey Pete, I enjoy your website! Tons of great fitness, health, and nutrition info!! I am 26 years old and am toned for my age and my profession (teaching)!! I am 6'1" and currently weigh 175. My workout plan is high intensity full body weight workouts 3 days a week (monday, wednesday, friday) and I alternate high intensity cardio, long distance pace cardio, and swimming laps 2 days a week (tuesday and either thursday or saturday). My nutrition is oatmeal and a banana for breakfast, protein shake or almonds for mid-morning, whole grain sandwich for lunch, protein shake and almonds for mid-afternoon, and grilled chicken for dinner. Here's my question... I'm having trouble getting rid of that last pinch of body fat over my lower abs!!! Am I not getting enough cardio? Should I change my weight lifting routine or my nutrition plan? HELP!! P.S.... Boomer Sooner!!! "

05/21/2009

fitstudboi: Peter? I really appreciate the information you gave regarding eating and belly fat. I was 300 lbs dec. 2007 and have been working like a maniac non stop pretty much to get back to where i used to be and the belly fat s just refusuing to leave. grant it i am now a waist 33 from a 44-46 but over a year? a year and 3 months to be exact so far? My goal is to try to get to a solid 31 by end of july and my final goal is back to a waist 29. I have a really awesome physique it's just seem impossible to get it back especially getting this belly to leave lol! is it suposed to take that long though? to loose 130 lbs? I am 5'9". So watching this segment has given me some new ideas that i have not tried. i have been doing crazy cardio. but not switching up.. for the past two months though, that i started doing cardio heavy.. i have noticed huge changes and i am shrinking more. but still in my mind slow lol! i will check into that stress test to see if that may be a issue like u suggested. i will definately follow that guys plan and substitute where you suggested and see what happens. My other problem may be that i am not eating enough times a day. I have been afraid to eat much because i felt food is what got me fat along with depression as well. So my metabolism may not be the best. Thank you again,Peter,for giving me some real useful info i will be keeping an eye on you from now on:) Fitstudboi

05/19/2009

Peter Adonis: Thanks, give it a try and let me know. Here is a visual of it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiXWBI6oIWU&feature=related

05/19/2009

Mike: Thanks for answer my question, Peter! I'm relieved to hear that I'm not the only one who experiences this. I'll give your stretch a try this evening and let you know how it goes!