Flat Stomach and Sit-ups Question

Hi Guys,

I have a question around abs exercises like sit-ups/crunches and the whole flat stomach effect. Basically, I tend to see a lot of fitness experts saying that Sits-ups won’t get you a flat stomach, all sit-ups does is build up your stomach muscles. However, if you do not lower your overall body fat, you abs will NOT show. But then I also see a lot of these same fitness experts saying that in order to get your abs to show, we should build muscles using weights etc. Now, I am confuses in that, sit-ups does help to build our stomach muscles, won’t the stomach muscles that we build from sit-ups cut down the fat around our stomach or at least cut down some fat –as we cannot spot reduce fat?

The reason that I am asking this question is that all I want is a flat stomach, I don’t care if it shows a six pack or not! I’m very comfortable doing cardio for 30-45mins, 3 times a week. However, I do not know how to using free weights at all and it appears that free weights are the preferred choice to build muscles compared to the weight machines.

Any help or advice in terms of exercises/nutritions that will aid me to a flatter stomach faster will be highly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jr

Hellloooo,

I agree... this health and fitness stuff can be very confusing... and frustrating when one person tells you one thing and another immediately tells you another.

If you want flat abs... you MUST watch your diet and stick to a regular exercise routine that includes weights and cardio. In my opinion, the most important thing is diet because you can lift weights all you want but if you're not getting enough protein, watching your calories, and fueling your body properly you will not get as much out of your weights and cardio. Ab exercises such as sit ups will work (to a small point) to build up those ab muscles, however, yes, as you said unless you lose the fat off the ab muscles your work there will not be visable. It really kills me when i see people lay down and crank out 50-100 sit ups... and expect that one thing to get them a flat stomach. The truth is they would be better off doing a full body strength routine, which would work ALL of their muscles including their abs as this would burn more calories, help to work all muscles (which has a wide variety of benefits including injury prevention), and build an overall better looking physique (in my opinion).

As for the free weights v machines question... I personally prefer free weights, however I do occasionally use a machine to switch things up. The machines are great because you are less likley to drop the weight on yourself if you're pushing heavy and it forces you to use proper form. If you're just starting out and have no idea what to do with free weights the machines are definitely an option until you can get some help in the free weight section (have you thought of hiring a personal trainer for a week or so to get you started?). I prefer the free weight as it forces me to have full control over the weights so not only do my muscles have to lift, but they also have to stabilize... basically getting more bang for the buck. However, as i said, there are times when i do use the machines just to switch things up.

One thing to keep in mind.. this exercise and diet stuff goes sooooo farrrrr beyond just making you look good. There are countless other benefits that come with exercise and a proper diet: They can extend your life, help to prevent diseases, reduce depression, anxiety, and stress, and make you look better which ulimately can improve your self esteem which can improve many other areas of your life.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask questions if you have any.

Cassie

Hi Cassie,

Many thanks for your quick response on this matter. I have plans in place to take on a personal trainer for about 1 week at the end of this month. I'm hoping that he can give me some tutorial/guidance on how to properly use free weights for fat loss. Until then I will continue doing my 30min cardio 3 times a week

Kind regards,
Jr

You're very welcome! Great idea to meet with the trainer! Good luck... and feel free to keep us posted on your progress!

Help!!

Whats the best way to tone my baby belly up (the very lovest part ov stomach)

Im happy with my weight just want toned up!!

Hi,

If your goal is just to have a flat stomach, here's a quick list of exercises you can do at home. Try this every other day, and try each one five to ten times in sequence:

* Curls
* Crunches
* Bicycles
* Knee to Chest Crunch.

These workouts are surely effective together with a healthy diet.