It’s Not Difficult to Get a Flat Stomach

The abdominals muscles lie between the pelvis and thorax, under the fat that you call your “belly”. Funnily enough, abdomen is latin for belly. There are many different muscles in the belly area: the obliques, transversus abdominis, rectus abdominis and pyramidalis muscle. But you don’t need to know anything too complicated to tone up.

You can begin exercising, for example doing ten crunches or sit-ups if you prefer one day, but you will not see results unless you continue. If you already find yourself having cramps the next day or recognise the sore muscles, take a break for one day so your muscles can heal. Return to your exercise the day after!

You will not see a six pack or toned stomach until you get rid of the fat on top of it.

So if you want a slimmer stomach, repeat a mix of stomach exercises and cardio every two or three days to your preferral.

So if you are a beginner or have begun exercising but aren’t quite sure…stick with workout number 1. If you are a little more experienced and maybe halfway through your own workout and seeing results, have a look at workout number 3 for some suggestions.

Workout One!

Ten sit-ups (lie on floor with knees raised, a weight on feet if required, arms still at shoulders or behind head and suck in your belly to lift you head to your knees) or crunches (same position, hands behind head for support but do not pull on your head, and suck in your belly to lift your shoulders. You should feel tightness in your upper abs) every two days.

Pick one of these cardio exercises to repeat once/twice a week (remember to warm up):

Running (speed walk when tired, don’t stop!) for half an hour.

Swimming for an hour. Try your best!

Speed walking for an hour.

Cycling for an hour to 1 1/2 hours.

Workout Two!

Either Ten sit-ups (lie on floor with knees raised, a weight on feet if required, arms still at shoulders or behind head and suck in your belly to lift you head to your knees) or crunches (same position, hands behind head for support but do not pull on your head, and suck in your belly to lift your shoulders. You should feel tightness in your upper abs) every day or up the reps to 20 and repeat every 2/3 days.

Pick one of these cardio exercises to repeat twice/thrice a week (remember to warm up):

Running (speed walk when tired, don’t stop!) for an hour.

Swimming for an 1 1/2 hours. Try your best!

Speed walking for an hour.

Cycling for an hour to 2 hours.

Try Your Best!

Continuing stomach exercises and cardio does make such a difference. You don’t need to change your eating habits too much, unless you do actually over-eat. But try to replace empty carbs (white sugar, white bread, white flour) for complex carbs (pasta, brown bread, vegetables) as this will help. Caffeine is supposed to be bad for building muscle, but one cup in the morning shouldn’t be too unhealthy (no need to worry, coffee lovers)!

Remember, you won’t see results right away. If you exercise at least once a week, even if you don’t have time for the cardio…you will see results after a couple of months! I’ve been working out for a year now and my stomach is flat, almost like I want it! It’s not impossible.