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2004/04/12, 04:31 AM
For the smoking, actually realising there is a problem and wanting to do something about it is the first and most vital step. A lot of people who try to quit do it not because they really want to but because they have nagged into it, or sort of think it’s a good thing to do. Actually wanting to quit for yourself means you are much more likely to succeed.
A total stop means you will face the full impact of withdrawal, but it will be over faster. Weaning yourself off slowly cutting down, using gum or patches ect make withdrawal symptoms are less brutal but spread over a longer period of time.
I cleaned up my life, stopping drinking and taking drugs when I was about your age. I did a total cold turkey; this meant I had a solid decision with no grey area, I just did not do anything. I know that the grey area of just cutting down would not work for me, but everyone’s different.
What I would say is find a displacement activity to stop you thinking about smoking when you are craving a cigarette. Some people eat, others chew gum, and some go on runs the choice is personal but find something to stop you thinking about smoking.
As for the weight, a “little pudg” is normal for all people at all ages, especially when you are 16. You have not finished growing and your body needs some fat reserves for this, getting rid of them can be very unhealthy. The images the media is full of are the best shots taken with professional crews, with exactly the right lighting, airbrushing ect. In short be careful not to cross the line, and developing an eating disorder which can affect you psychologically for life the not liking what you see in the mirror statement on your profile is worrisome .
For actual practical advice toning up the lower abs you are better working alternative ab exercises into your routine. Crunches primarily work the upper abs, try doing leg pull backs, or hanging leg raises (this site has a more comprehensive list in the exercises / fitness resources section). This will work the muscle making it look better, but do little to reduce the fat.
For any fat reduction, you can’t spot reduce. Working the abs will not necessarily burn fat from the abs. The only way to reduce the fat is as an overall process, and the best way is from cardio. Eating well (good food with a balance of fats/carbs/protein) and eating regularly (6-8 small meals a day), and moderate exercise will have a good effect. Suddenly stopping eating or overdoing the exercise will put your body into starvation mode. You will store every ounce of fat you can whilst burning healthy tissue, and consequently look worse
ED!
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2004/04/12, 01:40 PM
Just to give you a heads up as for abs on young women and to echo erirvine. I had a friend who made the Miss USA pageant as the delegate from Oregon. She didn't win, but she did tell me something I never considered. Many of the girls on there appeared to have six packs, the reason is they painted them on with make up. It is not impossible for a woman to have a six pack, but at your age and the fact that you have the top two showing, I would say you are probably at a healthy bodyfat range. Remember that you need extra body fat compared to a male to maintain proper menstration and reproductive health (not that you need to be reproducing right now, but you get the point, your still growing).
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Daniel
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