No need to crunch!
- Why ab exercises don’t flatten your tummy.

Abdominal exercises do not burn fat, and have very little effect on building muscle, as the overload is too low and the repetitions performed are too high to result in increased strength or size. Nor do these exercises flatten our stomach or give us a “six pack”, as this is only achieved by having very low levels of body fat on top of the muscle. We all have abs, but some are harder to see than others.

The best way to get a flat stomach is by doing exercises that burn calories (cardio), so that we can get rid of some of the fat around our midsection. Cardio exercise in combination with healthy, low fat eating habits, will do more for abs than any amount of sit ups or crunches. There are however, ways to strengthen the abs, and thus increase the support of the lower back.

The most effective abdominal exercises are those that overload the abdominals during full body movements, such as squats, lunges, push ups, chin ups etc. In these positions, the pelvis and lower back need to be stabilized by the abdominals. Abdominal exercises performed on the floor, do not require the pelvis and lower back to be stabilized, and are therefore ineffective for strengthening the abs or flattening the tummy.

So forget all the hype you see on TV! Even the fanciest of ab machines don’t work as well as simply holding your abs tight while you do other exercises. The burning sensation you feel during sit ups or crunches is nothing but lactic acid, not your muscles getting stronger or fat burning. Great news for us all, because we never have to do ab exercises again!

If you don’t like doing cardio exercise, or can’t for some reason, you can still work on your abs by working on your posture. By making a conscious effort to always hold your stomach in (don’t hold your breath), keeping your shoulders back, and your head high, you will not only instantly improve your appearance, but will do wonders for your back, and your abs as well!

Tina,