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Woman who struggled with belly fat shows 'how lifting weights changes your stomach shape'

Published on: Jul 4, 2025, 09:58:08 IST
Leana showed how much her body changed during her weight loss journey. (Instagram/ Leana)
Leana showed how much her body changed during her weight loss journey. (Instagram/ Leana)
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Leana shares her fitness journey, emphasising the importance of reducing body fat before bulking and focusing on abs with progressive overload.

Leana, who documents her weight loss journey on her Instagram account, fitzyelifts, spoke about how she toned her stomach in a video she posted on June 24. She titled her post: 'Watch how lifting weights changes your stomach'. She showed her journey from 2022, when she started going to the gym, to the present, when she has impressive abs. Also read | Men lose more weight than women when on keto diet? Fitness coach shares the biological advantage men may have

'I’ve always struggled with my belly'

Leana said, “How did I change my stomach shape? I’ve always struggled with my belly, mainly due to fat accumulation because of my genetics. The thing is, after my first calorie deficit, I found myself with a flat stomach, and that was just it. The shape kind of stayed the same, I didn’t get any definition, so I felt like I hadn’t achieved much. I needed to build more definition around my stomach with those ab lines and more.”

3 tips to follow for a toned belly

She added, “Here’s my take on this after finally getting it done successfully, and after getting certified on top of my engineering degree and 3 years in the gym.”

⦿ Leana said, “Bring down your body fat percent to a lower level: Not necessarily 10 percent, but try to get rid of most of the fat so you’re ready to bulk. This way, you don’t accumulate as much fat during the bulk.”

⦿ About the 'cutting phase', she said: “Create a calorie deficit to reveal what you’ve built.”

⦿ "It’s true that it took me 3 years to realise all of this and to finally get to work on my abs this year. But it could take you less than a year if you avoid the mistakes I made," Leana concluded.

She also said, “For the first 2 years, I was doing almost everything wrong to be honest, but all that trial and error led me to this result, so no regrets.
That’s it. Simple but not easy.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sanya Panwar

With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.

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Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
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