So, you want to get a flat stomach? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s get started!

The Myth of Spot Reduction

The first thing we’re going to do together is dispel a common myth. Many people believe that by targeting a particular body part for exercise, you can take off fat specifically from that location. This simply isn’t true.

Think of fat as the petrol tank in your car. Now, when your front right wheel moves, it doesn’t take petrol from the front right wheel petrol tank, does it? Of course not! Nor does your back wheel draw from a separate tank–all the energy comes from one central source.

Consider the fat all over your body as your body’s central petrol tank.

A lot of people think crunches are the quickest way to a lean midsection. Do you understand now why they are wrong? Doing crunches to reduce your waistline is about as effective as trying to use up all the petrol in your car by running your wiper blades continuously–it’s not going to happen. Crunches are great for toning muscle underneath and shaping that flat stomach once you’ve lost the fat, but doing crunches alone is not an adequate weight loss strategy.

The Best Way to a Flat Stomach

Keeping in mind what you’ve just learned, what do you think is the best way to get a flat stomach?

We know that:

• Fat is the body’s central petrol tank.
• Targeting fat loss to certain body parts (e.g., belly fat exercises) doesn’t work.

So how do you lose belly fat? By doing exercises that consume a lot of energy and deplete your body’s fat stores. And the best way to do that is to use the largest, most power-hungry muscles the body has, namely the legs. Running (something we do a lot of in our fitness boot camps) and swimming are the options that will provide you with the best results.

You should only use the exercise bikes or cross trainers if a previous injury doesn’t allow you to run or swim. Yes, I know the machines are easier–that’s why you shouldn’t use them! You want to get as much bang for your exercising buck as possible.

Remember that a balanced weight loss regime includes nutrition and strength training as well, and you’ll soon lose that belly fat and be on your way to a toned tummy!

Looking forward to hearing good things from all of you!

 

Danny Kettoola