Flat Tummy

All I want for Christmas is a flat tummy! Really. I have asked for that before, but Santa never delivered. Truth is, the only way to get a flat tummy is to work for it. You have to eat a very healthy diet, and include in your exercise program good amounts of cardio.

The lean muscles of a lean healthy stomach are under there...we just have to get to them. You can work out day after day and unless you eat a very healthy diet, you will not see the results you are wanting.

A great ab work out is running. I know, not the funnest workout. It is never my first choice either. However, I make running a part of my exercise program to provide muscle confusion for my workouts and also because it is the best way to burn belly fat.

Along with your cardio workouts, make sure you are getting in some exercises that focus on your abs. I recommend P90X Ab Ripper and also Chalene Extreme Ab workouts. Both of these programs offer short intensive workouts that really give you a burn that is needed to work all the muscle groups in your stomach.

Here are some traditional easy moves to work into your program:

For your obliques: Barbell twists are an excellent waist slimmer exercise. All you need is a barbell or 2 dumbbells. You could even use a broom if you don't have those things readily available. You simply stand up straight, hold the bar or dumbbells in your hands and twist from side to side (left to right).

Upper Abs: Lie flat on the floor and place your legs up on a chair so that your legs are parallel to the floor. Now crunch up slow and slow back down. Engage your ab muscles as you lift and lower.

Lower Abs: Lie on your back with your hands under your lower back. Raise your feet towards the ceiling keeping your legs together. Lift up your lower body pushing your feet to the ceiling. Then lower your legs all the way until you almost touch the floor, hold for 5 seconds and then raise again. Repeat until muscle failure. Remember to engage your abs on each movement.

Eat right: Yep that is the best ab workout for you. Unless you keep your diet nice and healthy, you won't loose tummy fat.