1. Flatten That Spare Tire
The desire to lose that spare tire is what motivates many people to start working their abs. In reality, however, abdominal workouts won't spot-remove the weight around your midsection. Working your abs will decrease your overall body fat, and it also builds up muscle to help you burn calories. But ab exercises alone aren't going to get you the flat stomach you yearn for.
2. Ab Machines are Ab-solutely Unnecessary
Advertisements blanket the airwaves, promising 6-pack abs with little effort in under 10 minutes a week. Some of these machines cost hundreds of dollars, but virtually all of them are the same. They have a support system for your back and neck, with arm supports and handles you use to pull yourself up and exercise your abs easily. While they may help you complete more repetitions, it isn't going to give you the stomach you see in the pictures. Ab machines only work if they motivate you to work out, or if you use them as a starting point and include cardio exercise and healthy eating habits.
3. Crunch the Numbers
Crunches are the most effective ab exercise. In order for them to be effective, you need to know how your ab muscles feel when contracted. At the top of each crunch, you'll hold that contraction for a few seconds before releasing it. Start slow and gradually increase the number and reps you perform. Doing a short number of crunches in several sets is more effective than doing a large number of crunches at one time. In addition to traditional crunches, include crunches where you pull one elbow toward the opposing knee. Side crunches like these work the obliques, the abs that run down the side of your stomach. Reverse crunch by lifting your legs rather than your shoulders to target your lower abs.
4. The Secret to a 6-Pack
Dozens of advertisements hawk the perfect machine, exercise video, dance routine or fitness center that will give you a 6-pack with minimal effort. In fact, the models who star in those ads work out for hours every day. Six-pack abs are only going to come when you reduce your body fat, eliminate nearly all fat from your diet and develop a lean, muscled body. Six-pack abs are the evidence of healthy living that includes crunches, cardio and strength training.
5. Slenderize Your Wallet
There are a variety of items you can buy on your quest for a flat stomach, including ab machines that don't really work or gym memberships that don't get used. The only thing you really need is a pair of comfortable athletic shoes, a quality mat to work out on, an exercise ball and the determination to do the work. By the way, you won't find determination for sale in the sports department. You need to supply that yourself.
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