I lift weights 3-4 times a week, which I absolutely love. I eat clean as a whistle. However, I am still very pear shaped. My question is...Is cardio for 30-40 min., 3 x's a week enough to burn the extra lard off my hips and thighs? I hate cardio...a step class or about 40 min. on the eliptical machine is all I can force myself to do. Please advise.

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Andi

[This message has been edited by 2boys'momma (edited 09-09-2003).]

The fat on your hips will come off when you lose weight (fat) in general. It is impossible to lose only in areas we choose. Fat will come off from every area and most of the time it will come off last in those areas where you gain it first. So, in your case, the fat in your lower body will come off last, after you lose it from your upper body. It's not fair but that's just how our bodies work.
You may want to increase your cardio duration, frequency or intesity (try HIIT). Keep your calorie intake to below maitainance level. VERY important, since you cannot lose any fat otherwise regardless of how much cardio you do.
As far as your pear shape, that will always be there although you will become a smaller pear as you lose weight. You cannot change your basic figure shape no matter how much you lift weights or do cardio. You will always be larger on the bottom then on top. A pear shape will never become an hour glass or the other way around.

Thanks Rita. I tell ya, my pear is not such a huge pear these days...growing some shoulders has at least given me more of an optical illusion! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif I get the whole lose fat all over deal, but how much cardio is enough? Do I just judge it by results? Should I increase to maybe 45 min. of cardio 3x's a week? I know I'm whining, but I just hate cardio. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dizzy.gif I need a formula so I can just stick to it and not have to think about it all the time.

Thanks!
PS- What's HIIT?
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Andi

[This message has been edited by 2boys'momma (edited 09-09-2003).]

I'd say try the high intensity interval training (hiit). I've had great success with it and only do 20 mins. of cardio three day a week.

One thing you should really do is search hard for some kind of cardio work that you like. If you absolutely hate doing the cardio work you're doing, you're not going to be able to stick with it. You don't have to limit yourself to the conventional methods like ellipticals or treadmills. Anything that gets your heart rate up is good for cardio work. Personally, I do 30 minutes of alternating intensity aerobic kickboxing. It draws on my martial arts background, and lets me thrash to some of my favorite workout music, like stuff by Rammstein, KMFDM, and other industiral techno bands.

Andi,
I too love weights and don't care for cardio. One thing I have found very enjoyable is "The FIRM" videos. Since you alternate between weights and cardio intervals, it stays interesting. You might want to give them a try.

rikimaru, love the taste in music, nothing like listening to some loud agressive music while feeling the burn!!! ROCK ON EVERYBODY!!!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif