Do you look at yourself in the mirror and say “I am so tired of looking this way. I wish my belly was flat?” Ugh!
I have been working out and studying fitness since I was 16 (that’s a long time). Still today one of the goals that I always dreamed about and struggled to achieve (and is usually a top priority for my clients), is a flat stomach.
Most didn’t care about the “6-pack” look, or the washboard abs. We all just wanted a flat stomach. But no matter how much work was put in, the illusive flat-stomach look just wasn’t happening.
Does this sound familiar?
After plenty of trial and error, I was able to finally get the flat stomach I was looking for and today, I would like to share those tips with you.
5 Big Tips: If you’re looking for a flatter, toner stomach—and FAST—then these tips should help:
1. Stop Stressing Out
I know that’s a tall order right now but its important and its possible. Stress is associated with increases in cortisol levels. For some reason, that cortisol directly impacts your stomach. – Because why wouldn’t we need one more thing to stress about, right? In fact, when your cortisol levels are high, you tend to store more fat in your abdominal area than any other.
If you’re serious about a flat belly…then you need to take the time to de-stress with some helpful meditation or another stress-reducing activity (check our schedule for Complimentary yoga. It’s amazing). At the very least, take a couple of minutes many times per day and take 4-5 deep breaths. Focus on filling your lungs and exhaling out all the negativity that is blocking you up.
2. Eat More Fiber
Abs are made in the kitchen—and not so much in the gym. Have you heard this? It’s not just another saying, it’s true. If your abs aren’t popping, Then it’s time to take a hard look at your diet—and what you can change. One easy switch to make is to add in more fiber-rich foods. Fiber, which takes up space in your stomach and prevents you from eating more, may also improve your digestive health.
The more “regular” you are, the better it will be for your stomach. If you’re low in fiber, just remember to start off slow…as too much fiber can cause gas and bloat. This is easy if you are eating clean. Add veggies to every meal. I like to start my day with the instant single pack (less than 1gm of sugar) oatmeal.
3. Elevate Your Heart Rate
All the work you’re doing on your abs, won’t matter if you can’t see them. And this makes exercise a lot more important. Exercises that increase your heart rate—like cardio, or HIIT training—may help you expend calories, and use your stored fat as a source of energy. The more intense your workout, the more calories you will burn. And this could be great for eliminating the layer of fat covering your belly.
Remember; don’t compare your intensity to someone else. Check your heart rate and be sure it’s up at a level that is a little uncomfortable for you.
4. Include More Strength Training
If you want to boost your overall weight loss, then you need to focus on doing strength training—as well as cardio. (all my runners, are you listening?) Strength training encourages more lean mass development—which could lead to an increase in your metabolic rate. And bonus, you burn more calories after a workout if you have stronger, better quality muscle cells.
The more lean mass you have…the more weight and body fat you will lose. Plus, doing compound movements, like the squat and deadlift for example, may also work your core in an active (but less focused) way.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
One reason why you may not have a flat belly is due to bloating, which gives your stomach a puffy look. But if you drink plenty of water, you could flush the extra fluid from your stomach, giving you a flattering look. If you are increasing your fiber, workout intensity, and overall health, a personal water goal is half of your body weight in ounces of water. For example, if you weight 160, drink 80 oz. straight forward.
Biggest water tip ever: Keep your large water bottle with you at all times!!! If its with you, it reminds you to drink. If its not, you wont. The Out of sight, Out of mind rule applies here.
If your dream has been to have a flatter stomach, then these tips are for you. Not only can they eliminate digestive troubles that make you look bloated, but that may also lead to changes in your metabolism, resulting in a flatter midsection.
You Must Take Action!! If you just read this and said, yeah I know most of that, but you still don’t have a flat stomach, What’s missing? Taking Action. Go get started now! Drink water and email me back that you started with the water as soon as you read this. You can do it!
If you make these changes each day, then you could see a flat stomach in no time at all.