How to Get Flat Abs

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By WordWhizKid
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Flat abs are within reach.

If you want to get flat abs without all the hype and expensive programs, you've come to the right place. By arming yourself with some basic knowledge and following a consistent exercise program, you can lose the fat and achieve flat abs without wasting money or time on a quack video, machine or "As Seen on TV" program. Read on to get your dream body:

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Determination
Discipline

Step 1

The biggest myth about getting a flat stomach is that you just need to exercise your stomach area. No matter how many crunches you do, your abs will not lose fat unless you do cardio exercise. Cardio workouts get your heart rate up and burn calories, which are stored in the form of carbs and fats. If you do not do cardio, you may get strong abs from doing stomach exercises, but you will never see them with a layer of fat over them.
Step 2

Running is a great way to burn fat.

The most important step to getting flat abs is to do regular cardio exercise at least 30 minutes a day, six days a week. You can walk, run, swim, bike, play basketball, do cardio exercise videos or anything else that gets your heart rate consistently up and makes you sweat. This is the only way you can burn off excess fat in your body.
Step 3

Do strength training. An important part of any exercise program is weight lifting because it will increase your muscles mass. Weight lifting also increases your metabolism so even when you are resting, you will burn more calories. Burning calories is the only way to get rid of extra fat.
Step 4

Do ab exercises to strengthen your abdominal muscles and tone your abs. Try crunches, push-ups, calisthenics, yoga or a combination of these exercises. You can also invest in an exercise ball to get more from your crunches. You can get an exercise ball for cheap at Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls or many other discount stores. The exercise ball allows you a greater range of motion than a flat floor and helps with balance as well.
Step 5

Another key to getting and keeping flat abs is to watch your caloric intake. Stay away from fattening foods and high calorie diets. You can do this by not eating out a lot (it's very hard to find anything low-fat and healthy when you eat out), eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and cutting down on processed snack foods. Try shopping at farmers markets to get fresh food for reasonable prices.

Comments

askapeach said

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on 10/29/2009 Thanks...I'm working to increase my daily cardio and am wearing a pedometer to help. Your article is very informative and motivating. I needed that!