Cutout dresses don’t scare The Biggest Loser host, because she’s studied up on what tones that tough midsection. Learn from a master. By Ali Sweeney, REDBOOK.
I used to have a really strong, flat stomach that I took for granted. Then one day, I looked in the mirror and thought, I remember when I could wear midriff shirts and not have a problem. What’s happening? Well, for one, pregnancy happened–twice. It takes time to strengthen muscles that have gotten all stretched out. But then I picked up some tricks from the pros on The Biggest Loser. Their advice, plus my own trial and error, can help any woman who wants a flatter belly.
Your cheat sheet for a slimmer, sexier stomach:
1. Mix up your ab exercises A lot of us think of the stomach as one muscle, but it’s not. That’s why traditional sit-ups–which only work the front, middle part of your stomach–aren’t the most effective way to tone up. One of my favorite ab moves is simply lying down and standing up, because it works your whole core: Lie face up with your arms overhead, then pull your knees to your chest and use momentum to stand up without using your hands. I also have Bob Harper’s Inside Out yoga DVD; it’s an amazing ab workout.
2. Stick to anti-bloat foods You can’t “spot reduce” fat on your belly, so if you want to lose your pooch, you need to eat for a leaner body overall. But when it’s crunch time–say, I’m preparing for a bikini shoot–I’ll make proteins and veggies the focus of my diet and go easy on the carbs. If I do eat them, I make sure they’re the high-fiber kind, like oatmeal. And avoid salty foods (they’ll make you hold on to water weight, which will hide your muscles) and carbonated drinks; bubbles in your drink mean bubbles in your belly.
3. Do what you can–and love what you’ve got When I’m running or taking a spin class, I focus on my core instead of relying on my legs to do all the work. I even try to engage my stomach muscles when I’m sitting in the car or at the computer. Knowing I’m doing what I can gives me the confidence to flaunt my abs (yes, even in a cutout dress). My 5-year-old daughter is a great role model this way: She’s always patting her little belly proudly. Take a cue from her and embrace what you’ve got. If you’re paying attention to your tummy in a positive way-exercising and eating right–it’s probably a lot cuter than you give it credit for.
Original post found at: http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/alison-sweeney-39-ultimate-flat-belly-tricks-143600859.htmlP.S. It is very important that you include up to five days of some form of cardio exercise in your daily routine as this will ensure that you are losing weight all over you body. Just doing abs workout will not reduce your belly fat. You will however have strong ab muscles hidden underneath a layer of fat.
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