Are you on a quest for that elusive flat stomach? And yet no matter how many crunches or sit-ups you do, you just can't seem to shift that little paunch and encourage the six pack you know is there to show itself? If that sounds familiar and you'd like to sort it out, keep reading for my 'must know' guide on how to get that flat stomach... 1) Identify & clear up food intolerances - this is the number one priority for anyone wanting a flat stomach. It doesn't matter how many crunches or ab exercises you do - if you have internal inflammation, you will never get rid of a distended abdomen through exercise alone. There are some fairly simple techniques to identify food allergies & intolerances, without having to pay for expensive private tests. If you'd like to know how to perform these, please contact me (0115 9470 448 or email me). 2) Focus on restoring optimum core function - your core is the key to a flat stomach. But it incorporates more than just your abdominal muscles - it also includes your back muscles. One of the most important core muscles is your Transverse Abdominus (TVA). Most people's doesn't function properly, which not only means they'll struggle to have a flat stomach but may also be at risk of back injury & pain. Again it is something that is fairly easy to test for with the right guidance. 3) Once you've restored function, you can really start to work your whole abdominal region. Your abdominal region consists of more than just your rectus abdominus (the actual '6 pack' muscle). There are actually 3 layers to your abdominal region and each layer needs to be trained in the right order to effectively condition the muscles. The key muscles are your TVA, your internal obliques, your external obliques and your rectus abdominus and these need to be trained in the correct sequence. 4) Get a qualified personal trainer to design a core programme for you - this will ensure you restore optimum function and train the abdominals in the correct sequence. 5) Avoid doing crunches if you haven't restored core function, reduced your body fat or have a postural imbalance (such as forward head posture & rounded shoulders). If all you do for abdominal workouts are crunches - you might get a six pack but still have a paunch underneath, or you risk exacerbating postural imbalances such as rounded shoulders. If you haven't restored core function, you may also risk injuring your neck or back if you perform a crunch incorrectly - and this is very common! |
