Want a Flatter Stomach?
February 21, 2007 7:06 PM | Exercise | Comments (0)
 | Many people want a flat stomach, but few people have it. You’ll meet people that seem naturally to have flat stomachs, no matter what they eat, and others who are always struggling with extra body fat. Even those with good genetics must work to keep what they’ve got at times. Everyone is different, so do not look to others - especially those with totally different body types than yourself - in an attempt to look like them. Find your ideal body within yourself. |
If you find that you are a person who must work for your flat stomach, do your part in making your body be the best it can:
Crunches – but not as many as you think:
I’ve said it many times before, but once again – it is not necessary to do crunches or other abdominal exercises every day. Do yourself a favor and let the muscles recover. 2-4 times per week is sufficient. Also, fancy crunches don’t change the look of a “six pack”. Crunches are crunches, pick some that you like and just do them. When they get easy, change them up.
Cardio – again, not as much as you think:
Don’t automatically assume you must do two hours of cardio. Your time depends greatly on what your goals are, how your body responds, and how hard you work while doing it. Studies have shown that over an hour of cardio can actually be counterproductive. The average person does cardio to burn fat. Once your body stops burning fat (if that’s your goal), why continue? You can save yourself some time by increasing your intensity. For example, if you walk for an hour, try jogging for a half hour, or do a combination of both.
Diet – most of us don’t eat as healthy as we think we do.
Even if you do all of the above and neglect good eating habits, you will not get the best results. You will be left wondering why you still have a layer of fat covering your beautiful abs. Think of it this way: if you constantly eat foods high in fat, why should your body get rid of the fat sitting on your midsection? It won’t. Your body is too busy fighting with the fat you constantly eat. You are probably consuming more than you think- log your food intake for a week to be sure.
Combine all three steps, be consistent, and you’re sure to get results. You’ll look and feel better in no time!
For more information, check out “You Can Achieve Your Ideal Body”, and “Finding Your Body Type”, “The Skinny on Abs”, and “Abs: Revisited.”
Copyright © 2009 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT
|
Don't miss my next post. Get it delivered straight to your inbox! |
2007 Warrior Fitness World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.