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These Are The Best Moves For A Flat Tummy
Let us start by reminding you that you don’t owe exercise or your appearance to anyone but yourself. If you’re unhappy with how you look, analyze why. If it’s not for you, re-evaluate your priorities. Your appearance isn’t dictated by people, it’s about you. Losing weight, putting on make-up, wearing “nice clothes”should be for your own pleasure and health. If it turns you on, that’s fine, but this is for me and you’re not invited. If you accept this as your own mantra, you’ll be happier for it.
Diet goes hand in hand with exercise to help you lose body fat. Depending on the type of definition you want in your stomach and how much overall fat you want to lose, you probably need to make some changes to your diet. While it may be difficult at first, the health benefits will pay off and your body will look its best. Incorporate lots of fresh vegetables and salads into your meal plans. Stick with lean meats, such as chicken and fish, rather than fatty cuts of beef. Choose healthy options, such as baking instead of frying. If you drink soda, it’s time to put that habit to an end if you want dramatic results. Try to satisfy your sweet tooth with fruits instead of sugary snacks. Enjoy fresh fruit, or frozen if that’s not possible. If you like to eat canned fruits, buy the ones that are packed in juice (NOT syrup).
It is important to understand that spot fat reduction is not possible. For many people, the stomach is the first place to gain fat, but also one of the last places you see results when losing weight. Remember this for any time you want to “cheat” in your workout routine or diet plan.
The key to successful fat reduction is to choose a cardio workout that you enjoy. Running is optimal. This is one of the best exercises: It shows results quickly because your heart is pumping and working the muscles of the body the entire time you’re in motion.
However, there are less intense methods to boost metabolism and lose inches. Brisk walking several times a week is a great way to lose weight and is easier on the body than running.
Another excellent cardio exercise is swimming. Swimming laps burns calories and is great for stretching out the muscles of the body all at the same time. This is especially healthy exercise and is possible for every body type, regardless of ability, and age. Oftentimes, pools will have family discounts, which is excellent for getting the kids away from a screen and into being active. It really is never too late or too early to start enjoying swimming or just walking around in water.
If you prefer the traditional aerobics class, pick one that keeps your heart pumping for 45 minutes to an hour. A very popular aerobics class that burns a ton of calories is Zumba, which combines Latin dance steps along with movements that sculpt the body.
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While stomach crunches do not reduce fat, they are important in strengthening the muscles of the midsection, and are important for a healthy, toned body. Incorporate the basic crunch, side crunch and reverse crunch to your workout routine for the best results.
Side Plank
Why it works: This abs exercise is more challenging than a traditional plank because you’re supporting your entire body weight on two points of contact instead of four. As a result, you must work your core harder to stay stabilized.
How to do it:
A. Lie on your left side with your elbow directly beneath your shoulder and legs stacked. Place your right hand on your left shoulder or on your right hip.
B. Brace your abs and lift your hips off the floor until you’re balancing on your forearm and feet so that your body forms a diagonal line. Hold for 30 to 45 seconds. If you can’t hold that long, stay up as long as you can and then repeat until you’ve held for 30 seconds total. Switch sides and repeat.
Remember to ease your way into a new routine and to be patient with yourself and with your body. Try not to overexert yourself, drink plenty of water, and keep at it! It may take a little while to see results, but it took a little while to get pudgy, too. You’ll notice little things becoming easier way before that scale starts to scroll down, so put it away for a few weeks. Maybe put it into a closet or under your bed. It knows what it did to deserve that. Nothing should make you feel like less of a person – not media, not loved ones, not strangers, not the scale, and certainly not yourself.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice
Exercises for Losing Belly Fat
By Khrystyana Kirton
Edited by Stephanie Dawson
Reviewed by Nima Shei MD
[Last Updated on February 17th 2014]
