A Flat Abdomen Can Be Yours -
Find Out How To Sculpt One

How many fitness articles center on how to get a flat abdomen?

You're quite right - most of them. As discussed on the page dealing with the motivation to exercise, powerful and defined abs are testimony to superior health and optimum fitness levels.

Now you’ve probably seen countless ads and gimmicks, not only on weight loss, but also promising to give you “rock hard” abs. Many of them claim to lay down the “truth” about abdominals.

But, I would like to signal a warning. Take care to read and understand all the propositions involved with a commonsense approach. Don’t let yourself merely get talked into something without challenging or questioning it first. Get as informed as possible about what all is involved and required to etch yourself a flat abdomen, or as many call it – a six pack.

Consult a Fitness Expert, read up on the topic - there are literally endless sources available in printed media and on the Internet.

What is this Webpage all about?

To set out the major considerations when working towards getting that much sought-after stomach condition or 'flat abdomen.' The principles discussed here tie in with the sensible approach, which is the point-of-departure of the entire Website. All related workout routines and exercises dealt with, and available via this Site, are grounded in these principles. (For more on the sensible approach, see point no. 8 of the FAQ)

Can I save time and get results quicker by focusing my training on my abs?

This is probably the most prolific myth regarding flat abs.

Simply put, spot reduction is not possible. There’s no way of selecting a particular area on your body, like your upper arms or thighs – and reducing the fat only in those areas. It’s an anatomical impossibility, unless you’re talking about liposuction, which at best will not give natural results. In addition, there are high costs and several potential dangers associated with this surgical procedure.

Our bodies are anatomically programmed to add or lose fat in a particular way and this cannot be changed. It is exactly why the many “ab gadgets” like shakers, electromagnets, and so on, are aimed at people who allow themselves to be taken for a ride. While the packages or promotional spots for these products show amazingly defined muscles, the results from these methods in reality, are questionable - even if they are endorsed by celebrities. Ironically it is the true exercises like the crunch, side-bend or leg-raise which produce results. And these can't be endorsed since there are no gadgets involved. But... this is only one part of crafting yourself ripped abs. There's the non-exercise flipside of the coin. Read on.

So if spot reduction is not possible, how can one achieve the condition which makes a flat abdomen possible?

A flat abdomen comes from a sustained physical exercise program AND (probably more importantly) a sensible eating plan. As most of the good Websites on health and fitness will tell you, to get a flat abdomen, or a degree further – defined abs – you need to do 2 important things:

• Work ALL of the muscles of the body to tone or build them and,

• Lower your overall body fat level. You will need to lower it significantly though, if you want to actually see your individual abdominal muscles.

WORK IN PROGRESS - Updated 21 September 2011

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