I am having a difficult time losing inches in my mid-section. I work out 5 times a week (cardio/strength) and do about 200 crunches/situps a night. Any suggestions on how to lose more inches?
This is highly subjective but I know for a fact that my body - especially my stomach - reacts poorly to simple carbohydrates. It's the first place I gain and also the first place I lose when I cut out all the junky carbs. So while the whole "calories in, calories out" rule is 100% true, and it's also very true that you cannot spot train, I think there might be a little sway when it comes to knowing exactly what your body can process and what it can't, and where it tends to put the excess. You probably already know all of this though, so I'm just adding my $.02!
Im no expert but I believe that cardio is a very good way to lose belly fat (and lots of other places!) I have been doing 45 minutes of cardio a day 5-6 days a week (cross country elliptical to be exact. 45 minutes burns 500 calories for me.) and also 2 abdomen machines 15 reps 3 times. One of them is the torso rotation, the other I'm not sure of the exact name, I apologize, but its pretty much a crunch, nothing to "fancy."
I lost 2 inches off my belly in 6 weeks. Maybe not too much, idk? but i'm happy with 2 inches!