Muscular but have lower back fat?

[JoeMichael67]

So I started weight training three years ago, and since have gained 25 pounds. I have toned arms, shoulders, chest, upper back, but have flabby fat build-up in my lower back. How do I get rid of that? I'd rather not do excessive cardio and lose a bunch of weight and kill all my progress.

[Truthatanycost]

I would look toward your mineral intake and levels of digestive enzymes. Iodine (and selenium) is the first mineral that comes to mind concerning your issue.

[Whatthefluff]

It might be that your metabolism has slowed as you’re in your late thirties. What’s your diet like? How much fat is in your diet, and what kind?

[JoeMichael67]

Couple eggs for breakfast. Mass gainer shake for lunch. Dinner varies (chicken, or beef, or pasta). Rarely eat out, and when I do it's usually something on the healthier side, like a Chipotle salad.

All in all I'd say my daily calorie intake is around 2200/2300.

[Whatthefluff]

How much cardio would you say you do?

[JoeMichael67]

I guess I would consider push ups and ab workouts to be my cardio. I'm afraid of doing high intensity cardio, as I heard that could tone your muscles down.

[Whatthefluff]

I get that, but I think maybe your body naturally holds onto some weight/fat into your lower back. Do you do rotary torsos, swimming, anything like that? I don’t think that adding some cardio will ruin anything. I do cardio about every day and am still gaining muscle.