With spring and summer creeping closer, wouldn't it be nice to have a flat stomach this year at the beach? It seems like a ton of people set goals to trim down their waist and get lean for the summer months. Unfortunately, most of them didn't get the memo that doing a trillion sit-ups won't bring them any closer to their dream of a six pack. In this post I will share the three key factors in attaining that beach body.
#1 Proper Diet
I know, I know, this is exactly what you DID NOT want to hear. Unfortunately it's true, don't count on transforming your stomach and losing inches from your waist if you're not watching what you eat. While turning your diet completely around may seem unrealistic, at the very least you need to become aware of the flaws in your diet and make some positive changes. Cut down on the bad carbs if you can't cut them out completely. Stop eating carbohydrates after dinner. Make sure you're eating often enough (eating every three hours will help speed up your metabolism). Cut down your portion sizes if you feel like that would help. Finally, consider logging your food online for a day just to see how many calories you are accustomed to eating. Chances are, seeing that number will spark an effort to make some changes.
#2 Cardio
One of the most overlooked factors in attaining that goal of a flat stomach is cardio. Yes, cardio. I know it sucks, but how do you think you're going to lose the fat that's currently hiding your six pack potential? Add an extra hour of cardio to your weekly workout routine. Once this becomes the norm add some more. Make sure you're switching up the type of cardio you do. If you're used to going to the gym and heading straight for the treadmill or track try a spinning or kickboxing class instead. If you prefer the cardio machines then challenge yourself to pick a different program. Try the random, or interval program on the treadmill, bike, or elliptical. You'll be surprised at what a difference it makes in your workout.
#3 Crunches, Not Sit-Ups
One of the biggest misconceptions in the realm of fitness is that sit-ups will get you a flat stomach. If you have something or someone holding your feet down while you're completing your set of sit-ups then you are actually working your hip flexors more than your abs. Rather than full sit-ups, consider trying smaller crunches. Focus on curling up with a smaller range of motion so that the top of your abdomen get closer to your belly button. Try curling up at an angle to include your obliques in the exercise. Finally, consider things like hanging knee raises or reverse crunches to hit those lower abs.
The most important thing to remember is that crunches will only strengthen your abs. Working alone, they will not get you that beach body physique. However, it is important to build strength. Not only will strengthening speed up your metabolism, but together, with a proper diet and cardiovascular exercise regimen, it will be the factor that matters most after you shed the fat!
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