Ways to Get a Flat Tummy

Honestly, a flat tummy isn't an easy thing to come by. Fat can be a real pain to eliminate, especially considering that many people are genetically stuck with fat deposits in certain areas. However, with a good attitude and a strong determination to achieve that flat tummy, it is certainly possible for anyone. Consider implementing the tips below if you're really serious about knocking some weight off.

Walk, Walk, Walk

Many people believe that the only effective form of cardiovascular training is high intensity or long distance. Fortunately, this is not the case at all. A 2009 study published by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition highlights the benefits of walking. The results "demonstrate that walking has an independent protective effect on weight gain." Preventing weight gain must first be accomplished before you can attain a flat tummy. In addition, the prevention of weight gain will likely lead to weight loss in the long run. Consider waking up 30 minutes early each morning and taking a relaxing walk through your neighborhood.

Eat Healthy

Healthy eating is quite possibly one of the most important aspects of attaining a flat tummy. Changing your diet isn't a day-to-day task, though. Switching over to a healthy eating plan is a lifestyle change. It has to be something that you truly want to do. This means dropping fast food entirely and severely limiting packaged food. Stick to lean protein sources such as lean beef, chicken, and fish. Cut out as many white carbohydrates as possible and move over to the whole wheat alternative. Limit saturated fat and eliminate trans fat to lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.

Utilize Resistance Training

As many people downplay the benefits of walking, many more look down upon resistance training as a quality option for fat loss. A study published in the Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise took 39 overweight young adults and split them into a resistance training group and a non-resistance training group. The results showed that the resistance training group had a much higher energy expenditure than the non-resistance training group. Those who conducted the study stated that "adding a mere 45 minutes of weight training to your week could boost your body's fat-burning power and prevent you from gaining weight." Find yourself a solid resistance training program and commit to seeing it through at least twice a week.

Target the Abdominals

If you don't perform any work for your abdominal region, how do you expect to attain a flat tummy? Even with all of the fat gone you still may have to worry about stretch marks and similar issues. This problem can be eliminated with the addition of a few solid ab exercises. The sit up is perhaps the most well-known abdominal exercise. Add a twist to this movement by literally twisting to the right or left as your chest approaches your knees. This twisting motion stresses the obliques, the love handle region that rolls over onto the tummy area. Leg raises are also a great alternative. Start flat on your back with legs straight and raised about six inches. Contract your abdominals to raise your legs until they are nearly perpendicular to the floor. This movement places additional stress on the lower region of the abs, meaning that it has a direct impact on the area we consider the tummy.

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Last updated on: Sep 16, 2009

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