How to get a flat stomache?????

Question

Hello

Anyone know any exercises to tone stomache musscles that arent crunch-like, as i have a spinal injury.

Answer 1

I just did a personal training course, and this confirmed my previous belief

"you need to lose your stomach fat to get a flat stomach, crunches will improve your abdominal muscles, but you won't see those muscles if there is a layer of fat over the top.

It is a common sense idea, and is actually true.

People get all sorts of false beliefs about not eating at certain times, 'targetting' areas of the body, body wraps etc.

You can target muscle groups to increase muscle size, but if you do sit ups, this won't remove the fat from your stomach.

The bottom line is that if you eat more energy than you use, you will get fat. Your diet includes energy from a range of sources, but fat has the highest calorie/energy content, so eat less.

I would suggest first asking a doctor what types of movements will exacerbate your problem, and whether you have adequately recovered or are otherwise fit enough to commence exercise.

Once you have worked out what movements are restricted, and the intensity of exercise you can manage, you should go to a fitness instructor or personal trainer to have a basic program developed.

I do very few crunches nowadays. I do bridging, a few crunches, and concentrate more on cardio and fat loss exercises. My stomach is more ripped than it ever has been before.

Another thing that helps is to improve posture. Sucking, or more accurately, drawing your belly button in towards your spine when sitting or doing exercise activates the transverse abdominus muscles in your stomach.

Also concentrate on shoulder blade and chest position for a better posture.

This will improve your posture and appearance, make your stomach smaller and your bust look bigger, and will probably make your back less troublesome, depending upon the nature of your injury.

Good luck. Concentrate on health, fitness, and posture - not stomach size or weight.

Also don't weigh yourself everyday. Every month should do the job, you just want to create a trend towards weight loss, a bit each week.

Then you will have a flat stomach and more.

Answer 2

Can't believe someone put crunches when you asked them not to. Durr. You'll probably get better advice from some fitness experts out there but I heard that if you do have a back problem one thing you can do is to sit up straight in a chair and hold your stomach muscles in for a count of 20, release then repeat several times (breathe in through your nose and out your mouth as you are tightening your muscles - you don't want to pass out!) That will not affect your back at all and you can do it for ten minutes every day or more when you get used to it. I'm sorry I don't want to recommend any other exercise as I think an expert would be the best person as I don't want you to hurt your back. Hope this helps a little.

Answer 3

With the spinal injury I would recommend that you see a sports medicine professional to assist you with regards to your specify injury. Strengthing your core muscles (particularly your abdominals) may be of great benefit to you.

HOWEVER, if you are hoping to improve to improve your appearance you may simply need to reduce the body fat in your abdominal region. Crunches and other exercises will strengthen, but won't really "flatten" unless you are already in very good shape. Body fat reduction will simply require good eating habits and an ongoing moderate exercise program.

Most people looking to "flatten" their stomach will benefit more from some slight weight reduction than any amount of ab training.

Answer 4

Everyone is telling u crunches so I dont have to. I want to add that u CANNOT CANNOT eat after 6 p.m. And try to have really small portions- that way ur stomach does not stretch more than it should. The stomach should not have more food in it than it needs- thats why it gets big. Trust me, when I see a little chunk on my stomach, I dont eat after 6 and I eat small portions- It goes down in no time

Answer 5

Diet and cardio. They say abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym. Eat six small meals a day and drink about a gallon of water a day. Try to do cardio at least 20 minutes for 6 days and 1 hour on the seven. Six weeks you will be shredded like frosted wheats!!

Answer 6

an eliptical machine might be easier for someone with a spinal injury, but I would ask a doctor before trying any exercise.

The best exercise for a flat stomach is the old fashioned, simple sit-up!

Good luck!

Answer 7

You might be a candidate for isometric exercises. (contracting opposing muscles). It takes some discipline, but it's quite effective. As far as the spinal injury goes, you should get this book... it helped me a lot. I have scoliosis and spondylolisthesis with occasional sciatica.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684852527/103-7015834-9183013?v=glance&n=283155

And here's a great source of diet information:

http://www.chetday.com

Answer 8

Yes! Get a Pilates video or DVD, I have severe ME and am really limited what excercises I can do. This really works, have lovely curves and flat stomach and only do 10 mins three times a week.

Answer 9

Set your personal computer alarm to ring hourly—stand upwards for 1 to 5 minutes every time it goes off.

Answer 10

At breakfast, go ahead and consume orange juice. But throughout other day, focus on water as opposed to juice or soda