[leoto]

I am a 20 year old male, and I really want to lose some weight off my stomach and tone it to get skinnier. What would be a great routine to follow, I'm asking because I've never worked out before, and I'm mainly looking to get skinner. A few years back I stopped eating after 8pm, and I lost some weight because of it, so I'm going to start tonight not eating anything after 8pm. So, I really like to start, so what would be a good routine to do for daily/weekly? I also have Centrum Forte Multivitamins to start taking again too.
Thanks for any info, it's greatly appreciated. :)

[DoulaLC]

Keep it simple so it will be easy to stay on track. Start with small, specific goals... for example: I'm going to do some sort of exercise every day, even if just 15 minutes to start... or I will cut back to soda just 3 days a week... or I will park the car in the farthest parking spot and walk the rest of the way.

Watch what you eat... if cutting out all junk is just too much to consider, limit it substantially. For every junk food type item you have, have two healthy choices. Some people are able to limit their junk food intake to just one day a week, but don't go overboard and think of it as a free for all.
Get some exercise everyday... start small and build up the amount of time you put towards it. If it works better for you to break it into several longer sessions a week, that is fine, but many people find trying to get big chunks of time can be difficult and far too often excuses can be found to skip that day's workout. Make it fun... try something new, workout with a friend or family member, maybe pick up an old sport you enjoyed before. It can be as simple as walking or biking... maybe join a club or the Y if working out with others or taking a class would keep you motivated and accountable. Find what works for you to keep you going.

The point is, change what you eat (even in small steps) and how much you eat... serving sizes are really quite small... and most people eat more than a serving size. Fill up on fruits and veggies, have some always at the ready for quick snacks, try to cut back on processed and fast foods... and get moving in one way or another.

It will take some time before it all becomes habit and a new way of living, and you will likely fall off track now and then. That's OK, just get back on track and keep at it. You'll lose the weight, get in great shape, and be healthier and that in itself can be enough to keep you going... :)

[leoto]

Thanks for the info, I'm trying to eat better now.
But what I was wondering, what kind of exercises could I do to target my stomach area and such? And what kind of routine using whatever exercises should I follow, like what to start with and basically a routine for a week.

[DoulaLC]

You might start with some cardio everyday... can be as simple as walking, cycling, running, etc... just start slow and build your endurance. See what you can do for 20-30 minutes a day... work up to 60 minutes after a period... or longer if you feel like it and have the time some days. You can break it into just a few times a week or go everyday... whatever works with your schedule and that you will stick with. Often people start too gung ho, with good intentions, but then either injure themselves, or find they can't do what they expected to be able to do and they stop altogether.

You can do some exercises that will strengthen your stomach muscles, but not necessarily spot reduce. Cardio will be your main key, but using free weights can also be of benefit. For the basics, several times a week is sufficient. Often it is suggested to train your muscle groups every other day... one day on, one day of rest, etc.. (some people will do this with smaller muscle groups and every day for the larger ones)

Again, start small... (you can see results with not too much effort)... lighter weights, fewer reps... the next week, maybe a little more weight or another rep. You will likely be sore at first, but it shouldn't be toe curling pain. "Feel the burn", the effort your body is putting forth, is what you are looking for... not that you can't lift your arm the next day or "pushing through the pain".

You don't even have to go out and buy weights if you don't want to... but you can pick some up fairly inexpensively... maybe as a reward once you have stuck to a few weeks of working out? You can use things around the house for the weight at first.

[bronzebelle]

Im afraid that there is one answer and it is exercise, you will not achieve your results by eating less as yes you may loose a little weight but you will be flabby and soft.
Its hard to get a routine going but I suggest you try either:
1.Buying a skip rope and using it for 5 minutes 4 days a week - gradually increase the duration.
2. Take long brisk walks and I don't mean 20 minutes, you need to be beating the pavement for at least 40 minutes 3 times a week.
3. Do sit ups and mix them up so your not always working the same region, there's different exercises for your upper, mid and lower abs.

Don't drink fizzy drinks and watch your intake of beer as the extra calories from alcohol go straight to your belly - sad but true.

You MUST exercise! You will be amazed at the difference it makes to so many areas in your life. You will have more energy, stronger muscles and best of all less fat!!
Once you find a healthy balance for your lifestyle you will begin to miss your exercise routine when you cannot do it.

Best of luck