| Getting flat abs is not always as easy as it seems like | | | | and shoulders over to the left, like you are rowing a |
| it should be. There some tricks that can help you | | | | canoe with a paddle. As your arms and shoulders |
| though. The following are some general guidelines that | | | | swing in this downward motion, lift your left knee up |
| will help you in this endeavor. These are simple, easy | | | | and to the right to create a slight twisting motion in |
| to follow exercises that do not require special | | | | your midsection. Then perform the same movement |
| equipment or a fancy gym. You can do these at | | | | to the right with your arms and lift the other leg up and |
| home, so it saves you from taking any extra time to | | | | to the left. Alternate for 20 repetitions. |
| make special trips somewhere else. | | | | 5. Do the Cat Kick - Extend your arms like airplane |
| 1. Examine your diet - It doesn't matter how many | | | | wings and stand with feet together. Lift the right leg |
| abdomen exercises you do if your caloric intake far | | | | forward and sweep the arms forward, while extending |
| exceeds what you are burning off each day. It is | | | | the reach of your arms by thrusting your shoulders |
| critical to monitor this ratio of caloric intake with the | | | | forward to complete this motion. As you do this, your |
| amount of calories that you are actually getting rid of | | | | spine should be flexing, with the motion of your |
| throughout the day. If you have a layer of fat around | | | | shoulders moving forward, like a cat spine would do. |
| your mid-section, you will first need to address your | | | | The navel should be pressing inward, toward the spine. |
| diet and exercise program before any dramatic results | | | | Open back up to the starting position and repeat with |
| can occur from any abdominal program. | | | | the left leg, alternating for 20 repetitions. |
| 2. Improve Your Posture - Slouching exaggerates the | | | | 6. Practice the Pilates Zip Up - Stand upright with your |
| stomachs natural inclination to pooch, which releases | | | | heels together and your toes slightly turned out. Bring |
| any tension in your abdomen muscles. You do not | | | | your arms up, keeping your hands together, underneath |
| want to make this a habit because the abs should be | | | | the chin. Press your arms down, keeping your hands |
| working to self correct this type of action. Straightening | | | | and arms very close to your body. At the same time, |
| up your posture will force your abs to be "working" all | | | | lift your heels off from the ground, so that you are |
| day long, without any further effort from you. Keep | | | | standing on the tip of your toes. Hold your position for |
| your shoulders back, your head aligned over your body | | | | two seconds at the top and then return to the starting |
| and your body perpendicular to the ground. | | | | position. The abs should go in and up, as the arms go |
| 3. Whole-Body Exercise - Don't overlook other | | | | down. Repeat this routine for 20 repetitions. |
| important muscles. The glutes and back muscles are | | | | 7. Props are Optional - You can engage your abs by |
| other core muscles that contribute to a healthy | | | | standing straight and drawing your navel toward the |
| abdomen. All of the core muscles of the abdomen can | | | | spine. There is no need for fancy props to aid you in |
| be strengthened through the use of the Pilates | | | | your workouts. Doing these simple exercises is |
| exercise program, which is comprehensive and also | | | | sufficient, if you are patient and diligent in your efforts. |
| exercises the arms and legs for a whole-body work | | | | 8. Set Realistic Goals - There are no fast fixes. If you |
| workout. | | | | have been out of shape for quite some time, it is going |
| 4. Try the Canoe Twist - Stand upright with your feet | | | | to take considerably longer to get back where you |
| slightly apart. Interlock your fingers so that your arms | | | | want to be. Don't be impatient. Take things slow and |
| will move in unison. Swing your interlocked hands, arms | | | | monitor even the smallest improvement. It's not a race. |