Best exercises for Endomorphs? (vegetables, system, weight loss, pounds)

[grindin]

In February 2009, I tipped the scales at 345 pounds. Something came over me and I decided to do what I could to loose the weight. Over a year later, plus or minus a few setbacks, I have managed to loose about 85 pounds.

Now I'm in the 260's, on the verge of getting lower than that. I have what is known as an endomorphic body type - Soft body, round shaped, underdeveloped muscles, overdeveloped digestive system, gain muscle easily, trouble losing weight, etc. Most of my fat is around my mid-section and legs (I have a potbelly, love-handles, wide hips). Since I do strength training on my legs, I have noticed my quads are getting more defined, but my Hamstrings and glutes need work (I work on those as well though). I also incorporate High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on an elliptical machine as well.

I want advice about types of exercise that are good for mainly fat loss. I want to loose about 60-75 more pounds, and I know that the things I did to loose the first 85 were done when I was weighing much more. I've always envied and wanted a more lean/ectomorphic look, but I know with my body type and frame that's more than likely not going to happen, so if I can look lean with a muscular frame, that would be all the better. My main concern right now is fat loss. I'm building muscle, but I don't want the huge muscle look. I also do cardio a lot. I mainly do what is known as High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on the elliptical machine (my knees do not like a treadmill). When I'm really active, I go to the gym up to 6x/week. More often, it's 5x/week.

I am weaning myself from the machines, and I have incorporated more free weights in my routine. I do plan on hiring a trainer to help me on some things, because it's just a matter of making sure my form is correct.

As for my diet, I follow a low-GI diet - eating mainly green vegetables (such as asparagus, broccoli, spinach, etc.), lean meats and legumes. I do have cheat days from time to time, but for the most part, I stick to low-gi. I think as an endomorph, that is really the only thing that helps me keep my weight down.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Ohiogirl81]

First of all, congratulations on your weight loss.

What you're doing already -- the combo of cardio and weight training -- is ideal for burning fat. Mix up your cardio -- walk, use the elliptical, try a rowing machine (that'll really work your hamstrings). Don't shy away from building muscle -- more muscle burns fat.

Keep up the good work.

[xavier132487]

Congrats! One thing, make sure your strength training isn't easy. A rule of thumb I follow is that I should barely be able to complete 12 reps. If I don't get some "fatigue" in my muscles and feel like quitting at 12 or so, it's too easy. However, don't make it too hard where you pull a muscle. Gotta find that Goldilocks weight. Just keep going with the cardio. I recommend swimming as it's easy on the joints but still burns plenty of calories by using several muscle groups. It also helps with the muscle toning.

[grannynancy]

COngratulations on what you have done so far.
My experience with a trainer has been he knows just how far to push and when I do hurt he knows what to do to work the kinks out. I think it is worth the money because it pushes me in ways I am not sure I would push myself.

From what i have been reading, HIIT is probably best for fat loss, no?

[Renaldo5000]

Sounds like you have a pretty good workout plan as of now that is working. Why alter what has caused you to lose 85 pounds?