STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

CarrieS · Marc Jacobs

Getting rid of back fat?

PrincessPink · BCBG

CARDIO, CARDIO, CARDIO. I know you don't want to hear it, but I workout 2x a week with a personal trainer, run 4x a week, eat super healthy and limit my alcohol intake. I still have a little bit of it, but its coming off quickly. I couldn't advise you on what exercises to do, but I can tell you that it takes a major committment. Good luck!

Luv2Shop · Kate Spade

I do these things at may gym called row machines. It is kind of like a row boat. You sit very low to the ground and put your feet on these platforms stretched out in front of you. You lean forward and grab these handles with resistance cords on them and pull back and lean forward like you are rowing a boat with 2 paddles. As you are doing it the seat slides forward and back so you can kind of use your legs too. It is GREAT for arms and back and is very easy on the body, don't get tired out too quick.

If you want something for at home a good way to copy this would be get one of those short yoga stretch cords with handles on each end. Sit down with your legs stretched out in front of you. hold the middle of the cord with the middle of your feet and pull the handles back and forth.

The only other thing I can suggest is push ups.

Good luck!

jen · Kate Spade

weights. cardio. diet. I wish there was another way....

Mandy · Kate Spade

cardio (unfortunately) and you can specifically target the muscles in your back by laying on your stomach and lifting your arms and legs. either hold this position or do it repeatedly like crunches.

gingembre1 · Kate Spade

Bikram Yoga....REALLY tones your whole body. And you'll feel like all the fat melted off after class. Mostly because you just sweated enough to fill a swimming pool. But Bikram does tons of back strengthening and toning. See if there's a studio near you. But only do it if you've done yoga before (intermediate level), and if you have good body awareness. The instructors tend to push people to do things that aren't too good for their bodies, and injuries happen.

bex · Chanel

my best friend claims she has this issue as well and her instructor gave her reverse sit ups to do.

you lie on your stomach and lift up with your abs with your arms stretched out in front of you. it engages your lower back muscles. hope that this is enough info to help you understand what i am saying.

also, cardio is going to help it the most! good luck!

poptart · Coach

Carrie,

I think you should try the NYC ballet workout or a ballet workout book that shows some of the floor exercises. I think there is a "real" dancer on the board (Amelie?) - maybe she'll respond with some tips.

What I have found to be the most effective are ballet class and assisted pull-ups at the gym (I can't do full pull-ups). I think the pull-ups are probably more effective, but it sounds like you are working out at home, so the ballet stuff is probably a good bet.

CarrieS · Marc Jacobs

Lisa wrote:

Carrie,
I think you should try the NYC ballet workout or a ballet workout book that shows some of the floor exercises. I think there is a "real" dancer on the board (Amelie?) - maybe she'll respond with some tips.
What I have found to be the most effective are ballet class and assisted pull-ups at the gym (I can't do full pull-ups). I think the pull-ups are probably more effective, but it sounds like you are working out at home, so the ballet stuff is probably a good bet.

I actually have been thinking about getting the NYC ballet DVD's after reading some reviews on Amazon. Several of them mentioned there being a segment that specifically targets back muscles, so I definitely interested!