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[ihavequestions]

I've been trying to gain 10 additional pounds. I typically wear a size 0. Now I am a size 1/2 and hopefully will reach my target of being a 3/4 within the next few weeks. I'm currently a 34C 22.5 35 . I'm tone but I can pinch up to 1.75 inches around my waist. I've always had a small waist. I used to take dance classes 2-3 hrs a day and 6 days a week and now that I've had a period of inactivity my waist is larger in proportion. I know it's supposed to be at least 2 inches smaller.

Other than sit ups what exercises can I do to decrease my waist by at least 2 inches but keep my bust and hip size the same?

[SarahPT]

Hi there,
sit ups will not make your waist smaller. It's a common misconception that doing an exercise for a certain muscle group affects the fat near it. When we work a muscle, such as we work abdominals when we do sit ups, the msucle can gain endurance, gain strength, and possibly even gain size. Or, the exercise may just help it maintain endurance, strength or size. It doesn't do anything for the fat around it.
We lose fat through burning more calories that we take in. Then, fat is lost from everywhere on the body.

In your case I think strength training for hte whole body would be helpful. You will not get big and msucleular, but gaining a little muscle will make you look fit and firm. Then you could focus on losing that bit of fat that's covering your tummy and others muscles.

Sarah