Four ways to get a flat stomach

So you want a flat stomach. You are certainly not alone.

Many people spend hours in the gym in the quest for a perfect tummy, but very few get the results they want.

Why? Well, for starters, fat around the stomach is the hardest to get rid of.

In fact, it’s usually the last place you lose weight.

That’s because your body recognises that most of your vital organs are stored around that area and will only use it as energy as a last resort.

Clever, eh? But, of course, that is no good when you are on a quest for the holy grail that is a flat stomach.

But never fear, DietPixie has some red hot tips to help tone up your tummy.

1. Diet

Obvious, I know, but cutting back on fatty foods and alcohol is crucial if you want to have a flatter stomach.

Try and cut down on the amount of food and be more active.

You will not only feel better and less sluggish but you will start to see the benefits around your stomach.

2. Sit-ups

The important thing to remember about sit-ups is quality not quantity. Doing 200 sit-ups a day may sounds impressive, but is it really having an effect?

Too many people go through the motions of sit-ups without making sure their technique is correct. Keeping to the basics without cheating is the best way to burn calories. It also puts less strain on your back.

The basic technique is this:

1. Make sure you are lying completely flat on something comfortable, like an exercise mat.
2. Move your knees up to about 60 degrees, but keep your feet flat on the surface and straight.
3. Now put your hands behind your ears or across your chest, with your elbows sticking out.
4. Now you are ready to start. Keeping your feet flat on the ground, tighten your stomach muscles and slowly lift up your head. You should start to feel the strain in your stomach. If not, start again.
5. Next, pull up from your shoulder blades and pull your body up to about halfway. Hold it there for a few seconds.
6. Move your back down again slowly in a slightly elevated position and relax.

Never push yourself too hard, and if you feel a sharp pain stop immediately.

3) Swiss Balls

Swiss balls are a great way of increasing your body’s core strength.

So what’s the secret of their success? Well, it’s the fact they are so ‘unstable’. Sit on one for the very first time and you will know exactly what I mean.

Your body will do everything it can to stop you looking like a right idiot by falling off.

That’s why they are great at building up your core strength.

4) Two workouts are better than one

Rather than do one 40-minute session, do two 20 minute spells at different times of the day.

Ideally, do one in the morning before you start work and the other in the evening.

It will increase your metabolism and help you burn off the calories.

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