Ten easy steps on how to get a flat stomach

If you are dreaming about having a nice flat stomach in time for summer and are panicking about having to display your muffin top to the world when the bikini season comes round again then be reassured that you are not alone. The word “diet” for many is one that should not be mentioned, carrying with it memories of days spent trying to disguise the embarrassing gurgles which erupt from a hungry and demanding stomach. Below are some top tips on how to get a flat stomach without having to give up everything that is fun in your life.

1) A balanced and healthy diet is essential if you are trying to firm up your stomach muscles. Eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables will mean that you are giving your body all the nutrients it needs to get the most out of a work out session. Avoiding things like excess salt, fatty and sugary food will also help you get yourself into peak condition. When you go shopping each week have a clear idea of what your healthy week will consist of and make sure that you stick to this plan. Choosing wholegrain options as well as low fat dairy products will mean that you are not giving up too much, just changing a few easy things.

2) It is a little known fact that drinking water has an impact on your muscles toning up. By drinking the recommended eight glasses of water each day you will be making sure that your muscles are hydrated and will respond accordingly to any exercise session that you are doing at the time. The more water you drink the thirstier you will become so this will begin to form a natural part of your healthier lifestyle. You will notice results a lot quicker if you are well hydrated and you will also feel a lot better within yourself.

3) Making small changes to your daily routine will help you to get more from your everyday activities. For example, if you usually take the bus to work then get off a stop early and make use of the short walk. Or if you usually take a lift try to walk up the stairs instead. This will not only give you some more exercise but it will help you clear your head on the way to the office making you more productive at work as well. Not only will you be well on the way to your flat stomach but you could also increase your chances of a promotion too!

4) Exercising doesn’t always have to be a chore. If, like me, you need a kick up the backside to get up off the sofa in the evenings then organising to attend a class with friends is a good way to make sure that you have some outside motivation. Dance classes are good fun and a great way to meet new people. Tango, swing, salsa and hip hop are all useful to build your fitness levels and before you know it an hour will have passed very quickly.

5) Sports like tennis, squash and football are less monotonous than spending 45 minutes on a treadmill in a gym. Not only are they great for both fitness and co-ordination but you can have a chat with your partner or team mates at the same time. Adding some competition to an exercise session will mean that you are more likely to push yourself that little bit harder.

6) If the prospect of jumping out of bed to embark on 3000 sit ups makes you feel slightly sick why don’t you break your workout down throughout the day. Getting a flat stomach will need to include a work out for your abs and the most effective will be crunches and sit ups. By doing 25 in the morning and 25 in the evening you will have done 50 in a day. As you progress with your work out you will be able to increase this number.

7) If you are a smoker then making the effort to cut down or stop altogether will make your dream of a flat stomach more achievable. Having a cigarette will mean that your fitness levels are unlikely to change after a work out. Your lungs will be unable to cope with a natural increase in exercise so the end result will seem much further off than it should be and the journey towards it will be much harder.

8) Doing housework is a weekly chore for everybody but why not kill two birds with one stone and turn it into more of an exercising session by just pushing yourself that little bit harder. Blasting the house with the vacuum is great for the stomach muscles and putting in a small amount more effort will mean that you are burning more calories and working your muscles harder. Exercising releases endorphins which make you feel naturally happier and better about yourself. At the end of this work out you will have both a clean house and a clearer, more focussed attitude.

9) Swimming is a relaxing way to tone up every muscle in your body so if you are not keen on spending everyday working yourself into a sweat with a hard core session why not take a trip down to your local swimming pool. Putting on a swimsuit is a scary prospect for everyone but after you have faced your fear once you will be more likely to go back again. Half an hour in the swimming pool will be an intense work out for your muscles and you will barely notice. It’s a win win situation!

10) Keeping upbeat and focussed on your goal will mean that you are more determined to achieve it. Putting up a photo of your desired end result on the fridge will help you to remember what you are working for when you are about to reach for the Ben and Jerry’s. Don’t become down hearted if the results aren’t happening as quickly as you want them too. By adding a Sunday walk, a nice swim and a short cycle into your weekly routine you will be building up your fitness levels gently. Your training on how to get a flat stomach doesn’t have to be all about the sacrifices, you might even make some friends and learn some new skills along the way.

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