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Flat, Sexy Abs in 5 moves Abs Building Tricks Good-Bye Belly Fat

It’s no secret that abs are the Holy Grail of the fitness set. In fact, a taut midsection is the main topic of discussion among ExerciseTV viewers looking to get toned. That’s why the trainers at ExerciseTV have put together a series of three videos designed to work your abs, strengthen your core and keep you motivated.

Just because bikini season has come and gone doesn’t mean you should stop focusing on your abs. A good ab workout does far more for you than draw stares at the beach. Strong abdominal muscles will strengthen and support your back, which makes a big difference in reducing and preventing back pain. They also make you look thinner, even if you haven’t lost weight. “A good ab workout keeps your spine nice and erect,” says Kendell Hogan, an ExerciseTV star trainer.  “For posture purposes alone, ab work is important.”

Abs are also some of the most consistently used muscles—you use them in almost every exercise, whether it’s squats that target your thighs and glutes or an overhead row for your triceps. Stronger abs, therefore, mean you get more out of your entire workout. “No one knows it, but if you’re doing a basic bench press, your core stabilizes you and you’re able to lift more weight and do more exercise,” says Hogan.

Still not convinced? Look at it this way: As soon as it’s warm enough to hit the beach in 2008, you’ll be ready. “Keep doing [these workouts] and wear those holiday party dresses knowing you have killer abs waiting for the next bikini season.” says Stephanie Vitorino, another of the ExerciseTV trainers featured in this series.

Watch the core-carving videos from ExerciseTV

• Core Blast
• Core Cuts
• Love Handles

The workouts in this series will go a long way toward developing strong, firm abdominal muscles. But your six-pack won’t impress anyone if it’s hiding beneath a layer of fat. That’s why it’s important to add calorie-burning cardio to your workout routine and eliminate processed sugars, unhealthy fats and too many calories from your diet. While it’s impossible to “spot train” and lose fat in just one particular area of the body, there are some things you can do to improve digestion and reduce bloating, both of which will lead to a leaner-looking midsection.

First, fill up on fiber. “It will help to eliminate toxins and move wastes through your body so you don’t look bloated,” say the Nutrition Twins, dieticians Tammy Lakatos Shames and Lyssie Lakatos. “Plus, the whole grains will give you the energy you need to get through your much-needed cardio and crunches.” Salt will only add to bloated bellies, so the Twins recommend seasoning your food with spices like chili powder and cumin.

Finally, consider adding probiotics to your diet. These healthy bacteria, which can be found in smoothies and yogurts with a probiotic label, work wonders in your digestive track by helping speed up digestion, easing stomach discomfort, and fighting bloating. Probiotic smoothies are a great choice. They “also help to hydrate you, preventing you from retaining water,” say the Twins.

So let’s get this straight: better posture, stronger core, good looking body and smoothies? What are you waiting for?

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Last modified: 11/21/07