Ab-solutely 'Flab'ulous

One of the more frequently asked questions that I get as a trainer is "How do I get my abs tight?" Along with its other variation of "How can I lose my stomach?" I would, of course, be remiss if I forgot my all time favorite that's more of a statement than a question although a lack of knowledge is implied. "I don't need to lose weight anywhere else just in my stomach." Huh?! It easy to see how the desire for the six and fabled eight pack would be enticing. I mean whole careers have been started because someone had a 'proper pack, just look at any underwear model. The real question however is how can we, those that have not been necessarily blessed with the genetic make up of a model, turn our soft or flabby tummy into the flat, cast iron washboard stomach that we desire?

The first thing that I tell anyone looking for definition in the abs is that strength training and endurance work are great for developing abs. But to see definition in your abs (for any muscle group really) it is all about body fat levels. This is why the million crunch program doesn't work for definition. It doesn't address the need of your body to burn enough calories to tap into that stored fat. A simple rule of thumb is this, consume less food + burn more calories = weight loss. Spot training to develop ab definition DOES NOT WORK!! If you can't see your abs it probably has to do more with your diet than your ab routine. Its been said before and I quote "You can't out train a bad diet."

The next tip that I tell those seeking to lose ab flab is that cardio and weight training combined work best to maximize fat burning. Again, with the understanding that fat loss is what uncovers definition, its easy to see how combining weights(that helps burn fat) with cardio(that helps expend calories) would contribute to over all body fat loss. I personally love interval training but you should be creative to avoid boredom. Because I teach boot camps, I generally do cardio six days a week and lift weights five days.

The third and maybe the most important tip is to exercise proper nutrition. Again, you cannot out train a bad diet. Hundreds and hundreds of crunches are fine, but if your abs are cover in fat and definition is your goal then your mission is a failure.

Tips for 'Flab'ulous Abs

1. Spread your calories over 5-6 small meals. Be aware of portion size.
2. Eat complete good protein with every meal. I'm personally love salmon but you may like other protein sources.
3. Avoid refined and processed foods, white sugar, white flour, soda and alcohol.
4. Eat natural complex carbs like vegetables, beans, brown rice and whole grains.
5. Drink plenty of water.
6. Keep over all fat consumption low. Keep saturated fat low. But maintain a good balance of essential fats like fish oil, flax seed, seed and nuts.

Follow these tips and see how fast you develop that pack that you've always wanted. Thanks for your ear, keep training!