losing belly fat

i think i heard that if you really want to tone your abs you have to do lots of cardio first to loose the fat otherwise crunches, etc won't do much. Is this right? I'm trying to lose my post baby belly. I've been doing about 30 min on treadmill (walk 5, run 20, walk 5) and have taken a couple of classes that work the abs and those classes are TOUGH! I feel like I can't do any of the exercises and then I get discouraged like if I can't do this how am i ever going to get a flatter tummy!

Re: losing belly fat

Yes, that is true. You have to do cardio to burn fat. Of course, core strengthening classes won't hurt and will only help.

It is possible to have a flat belly again.

Re: losing belly fat

You are correct....cardio cardio cardio

Re: losing belly fat

Yes, it's true. Belly fat is just that - FAT. The only way to get rid of fat is to get thinner - burn calories and lose weight.

I wish spot toning worked - I would do crunches for an hour a day if it made a difference. But it wouldn't (well, it would burn calories, but a treadmill would do that way better).

However - the happiest I ever was with my abs was when I was doing Pilates. I really felt that I looked so much leaner - maybe it was that my posture/breathing was better and I was holding myself better, I don't know, but I was never so confident in a bikini as when I was doing Pilates 3 times a week.

Re: losing belly fat

Cardio is the best way to lose fat. I suggest increasing the length of your cardio by 5-10 minutes even if this means walking it.

Re: losing belly fat

100% true because no matter how tight and toned you get your ab muscles, if they are covered by a layer of fat you won't see them.