Rib Fat?

Hey everyone,

I already know there is no way to spot reduce an area, but I seem to gather fat around my ribs.  Can't tell if my boob's are shrinking and it's more pronounced or what.  Any ideas on exercises that will lengthen or strengthen the sides of my ribs?  I have been jogging/walking 4 miles per day (including my cool down/warmup).  Working on running a 5k at a current rate of 4.5mph (don't laugh!)  Anyway, I have started adding in elliptical since that burns a lot more calories and my time is short with my two girls in the morning before work.  By the end of the summer I will be able to get to the gym to do weight training as well, but for now does anyone have any thoughts?  I am 5'10" 205 currently and female. 

Thanks!

Original Post by blondin1:

Hey everyone,

I already know there is no way to spot reduce an area, but I seem to gather fat around my ribs.  Can't tell if my boob's are shrinking and it's more pronounced or what.  Any ideas on exercises that will lengthen or strengthen the sides of my ribs?  I have been jogging/walking 4 miles per day (including my cool down/warmup).  Working on running a 5k at a current rate of 4.5mph (don't laugh!)  Anyway, I have started adding in elliptical since that burns a lot more calories and my time is short with my two girls in the morning before work.  By the end of the summer I will be able to get to the gym to do weight training as well, but for now does anyone have any thoughts?  I am 5'10" 205 currently and female. 

Thanks!

 Well, I'm sure you know you can't elongate bone...or I'd be 5'10" so you cannot ''lengthen your ribs''. Sounds as if you are carrying excess fat in your abdomen area...therefore you need to have a caloric defecit and as far as exercise, keep it up...even if your not at the gym until the end of the summer..I highly recommend doing at least some bodyweight/strength exercises at home..esp if you really want to up your metabolism, get stronger...and leaner. Push ups, dips off of chairs, chin up's from the floor to chair are excellent then progressing to standing pull ups....squats..you can even do wall squats...just squat against wall, hold two objects of equal weight [if you don't have dumbells] and while staying in the squat position, do 15 hammer curls, really squeezing that bicep. I could go on and on but just keep on the great work...and really concentrate on your nutrition...limit your carbs!!!!!!!!!

Best of luck!

Thanks fitnessgirll!

I am more pear shaped or hour glass shaped I guess and definitely am out of shape.  I usually feel great anywhere under 185.  I have been as low as 140 but looked sick at that weight.  My current ratios are 20-25 fat, 30-35 protein and 40-50 carbs.  I actually increased my carbs because I was feeling irritable and lightheaded after a long cardio session.  I started some great squats from exercise tv that have me squatting down and then tapping out one leg or sweeping it out.  Kills me :)  Just not sure how to target my upper stomach or rib area more.  I usually do crunches but not sure if that will help the sides of my ribs or maybe I am just too squeezed into my exercise clothes :)  

Targeting that area really won't cause you to lose fat in that area. So crunches won't help any more than squats will. Getting a good overalll workout is best, so when you do begin to lose the fat, the muscles will show. Like fitnessgirl said, pushups, chair dips, other bodyweight exercises.

I have to learn how to do a chin up to the chair. I've seen it mentioned here before and it sounds interesting to try.

Maybe your bra is too big now, and that's why you think you have more rib fat.  Check out this site.  I went down a band size and now I don't have the bra-line lumpiness anymore.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/around_town/fashion /Bra-Whisperer-Is-Your-Breast-Friend--.html

rosieblue - I was going to post that I thought my bra was too tight since I am now on the last setting.  I never thought that would be a possibility but maybe you are right.  I will pull out my 36's and see how they feel.  I noticed my strap falling down all day today.