How do I get flatter abs? Like a six pack or something?

Question

I'm very athletic. I play basketball and I run track and yet I still don't have the best abs. One day my stomach is flat and the next day its back pudgy again. Whats up with that?

Answer 1

Your abs are probably fine, just hidden under a layer of body fat. You can't spot reduce (lose fat in the belly only). You need to lose overall body fat.

There is no magic weight-loss pill, supplement, fad diet, or juice. The ONLY way to lose weight is to consume less calories than you burn. Brad Pitt didn’t get buff for Fight Club by drinking green tea, and you won’t either.

Hoodia, on the other hand, has been scientifically proven to reduce hunger. The problem with hoodia is that it is not regulated by the FDA, and studies have indicated that most products claiming to contain hoodia actually have little, if any, pure African hoodia. Those products that did contain hoodia were inconsistent from one capsule to the next. I have found two brands that seem to be consistent and effective, Relacore and PowerNutra.

Exercise doesn’t mean you have to join a gym or go to an aerobics class, although I would highly recommend it. To burn fat, you should exercise at a moderate pace for at least thirty minutes. A moderate pace is one in which your heart rate is elevated but you’re not so winded that you can’t carry on a normal conversation. That is the mode in which your body burns fat stores. High heart-rate cardio work tells your body to burn glycogen and store the fat for later—you don’t want that.

Walk for 30 minutes every day including weekends, Mondays, and Fridays. Do at least 30 minutes of weight training each week. Do 60 minutes of additional, higher intensity cardio each week. You don’t need additional equipment—infomercial products like the Ab Lounger, Sauna Belt, etc. are all worthless gimmicks so don’t waste your money.

Eat breakfast, and eat five small meals per day instead of three big meals. Don’t starve yourself during the day—many low-calorie diets fail because when you go hungry, your body switches to “famine mode” and stores fat for the coming drought. On the other hand, if you don't wake up ravenous, then you ate too much the day before. Stop eating at least two hours before you go to bed.

Cut back on the foods you eat with high fat and high sugar content. Eat only single servings (read the label) with less than 3 grams trans fat and 3 grams sugars. Your primary source of sustenance should be grilled boneless skinless chicken breasts and canned tuna (in water, not oil). No dairy (except low fat cottage cheese occasionally); no processed meats; no heavy sauces; no chips, cookies, sodas, breads, etc.

Another trick I’ve learned about reducing calories is to “clean the pipes”. You can do this by eating more raw vegetables and fresh fruit. You can also streamline the process with fiber supplements. I like Metamucil and Dr. Schulze Intestinal Formula.

Other than a daily multi-vitamin like Centrum Advanced Formula, the only other supplement recommended is an Omega-3 fish oil capsule like Carlson Laboratories Super Omega-3 Fish Oils. Omega-3 is a vital fatty acid that our bodies don’t produce. Omega-3 benefits are wide-ranging and proven by clinical studies. From heart health to depression treatment to pregnancy health, Omega-3 benefits are too good to ignore if you are interested in health.

Answer 2

For the the abs do these exercises (30 minutes a day, 6 days a week); - lay on your back and lift up both legs + hold, then curl your feet and bring them to your chest; then repeat. - sit so only your butt is on the ground (feet in the air) and twist somewhat fast (torso right, legs left then vice versa); the farther you twist the better your results - hold the 'up' push-up position (at least 2 minutes) - core hold; make ^ shape with forearms by holding hands then do the 'up' push-up position (at least 2 minutes) Trust me, these work. I've got a solid, strong 6-pack eventhough I haven't done any serious ab workouts in 8 months; was able to do 66 sit-ups in a minute just last week.(I'm 16, 6'0" and 117 pounds; not a body builder or anything like that, lol) Be sure to stretch out before and after the workout, Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

I'm not sure why your stomach is changing from day to day, but sit-ups /crunches are the best way to get flatter abs.

Answer 4

Hey,
This is Monique,
I'm athletic too, and my stomachs the same, I think it's because you're really meant to be medium size!!!

Answer 5

Getting old sucks

Answer 6

Abs of Steel video... SERIOUSLY it rox

Answer 7

try crunches