realistic?

Is it realistic for me to think that i can tone up by the middle of June? I only want to lose 7 pounds, but i have always had trouble with my mid section,

Any comments or advice would be welcome,

P.S i am doing sit ups on my fitness ball 4-5 times a week

It depends on a couple factors. If you are overweight currently, then I would say yes definitely..but if you are already at a healthy weight then extra pounds come off much slower.

I'm also not sure what you mean when you say you want to both lose weight AND tone up. Toning up actually adds weight, but it adds muscle weight, which generally LOOKS more attractive. Also, your muscle burns up calories (helps you burn fat) so the more you have, the slimmer you will look in the long run..

Why don't you make another thread (with a more descriptive title lol) and ask for a basic beginner fitness routine that requires little to no equipment... you might not lose 7 pounds of fat between now and june but you can definitely make a big difference in your appearance by working out. ^^

Situps are great, but the only way you'll be able to see any muscle is if you drop the body fat%. There are a lot of ways to drop the fat, but ultimately it comes down to eating fewer calories than you burn. Interval training and weights are a great way to burn calories, but diet is hugely important. Losing 7 pounds in 8 weeks should be doable though if you're focused on it.

Thanks for your comment, here is more info

I am already at a healthy weight, approx 125lbs, i want to tone up mainly my mid section, i am also cutting calories and also walking 40 mins per day. :)

hoping to lose a few pounds in the process

billy blanks has an awesome dvd out called Ab Bootcamp. It's about 35 minutes long and it really good at toning your abs.

I don't know if, at your weight, you'll lose 7lbs, but you can definitely tone up your stomach by then! The big thing is that you need to change up your routine because doing the same thing day in and out your body will grow accustomed to it and won't work as hard (and therefore not get the results you want).

hth!!

I wouldn't worry about losing 7 lbs so much as some other fitness goal like doing 5 regular pushups or 20 knee pushups, for example.  Start by adding exercises to your routine like pushups and squats, and a variety of other body weight exercises.  Search this site for some good examples.

I'm a big fan of the pushup because it engages the entire body.  Try doing a pushup when your abs are sore and you will see what I mean.

I also recommend medicine ball routines.

thanks all!

I really appreciate all the input as i am new here and still trying to figure out how to get in shape/healthier