A flat tummy is what most ladies focus on more than anything. Our boobs, legs, butts, get plenty of attention too. But if you have a flat stomach, it’s like the bomb. It’s hard to achieve yes, you can run for kilometers, do 100 crunches, and even beat your own personal plank record. But it’s not going to be easy to obtain this coveted look. It can take six months to a year to get a flat tummy, and it’s not just about doing heaps of abs workout. Here is the lowdown on what we should do to achieve six-pack abs.
1.) Skip the crunches
According to Science, crunches are not sufficient to reduce abdominal fats. Crunches don’t target your entire core, it can’t address the fat that is covering your muscle.
Here’s what you need to do in order to get those muscles to peek through…Double leg lifts, barbell back squats, hip twists, hanging leg raises, barbell deadlifts, planking, and HIIT workouts.
2.) Calculate Your Macros
Macros is basically shorthand for Macronutrients, these are the foundational building blocks of all the delicious food we eat. They are also the building blocks the body uses for energy, growth, and body functions.
There are three different macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats.Get the right balance of these and you’ll not only lose weight, but you’ll also be more effective at burning fat and building lean muscle.
3.) Mind your posture
In this modern age, most of us probably sit in front of a computer for a long period of time. Sometimes, we tend to slouch, whether sitting or standing. As a result, it would leave the stomach loose and bulging. Improve your posture by tightening your core (suck it in) and hold on to it as long as you can.
Here’s what you can do to maintain a straight back while at your desk. Shoulders back, suck your stomach in and chin up. This posture not only makes you look fitter but makes your tummy look flatter. It’s like a bonus workout for your tummy.
4.) Keep Cardio in Check
If you’re already thin, don’t do too much cardio because it can backfire on you. You know what they say, too much of something is bad. If you do too much cardio, it will break down muscle depending on how many calories you are taking in.
Instead, focus on building the muscle. Like any other muscle in your body— in order to grow your abs, you need to work and fuel them. Build the muscles on your stomach first, then add cardio back into your routine.
5.) Gulp Green
Multiple studies show that EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), the antioxidant in green tea have been shown to help burn fat, boost metabolism, increase weight loss and may specifically target abdominal fat. Green tea is a known superfood. How you brew and drink the tea can significantly change how much EGCG it imparts.
To maximize EGCG content, pour boiling water (not just hot water) over a green tea bag and let steep for 10 minutes before removing the bag and drinking. (source) Drink it before and after your workout.
Conclusion:
At the end of the day, you can’t obsess over getting six-pack abs. A simply toned or two-pack stomach looks beautiful, too. Focus on loving and healing your body, mind, and soul. Make a point to be the healthiest version of yourself. That goes a lot further than a six pack.
I blog here and at PinayNomad.com