There are so many exercises available that promise you a flat stomach. How do you determine which ones are right for you? It sounds simple: just go to someone who knows what they’re talking about, and ask them which exercises will strengthen and flatten your stomach most quickly. Right?
Not really. There’s no single right answer that’s best for everyone. Some trial and error is required. You need a criteria for determining which are the best exercises to help you get a flat stomach.
Your personal best stomach exercises
There are a number of factors to consider:
- The best exercise is one you’ll do consistently. Find exercises you actually enjoy or, barring that, ones that feel comfortable to your body. Don’t pick the exercise your friend insists is best if you find it hard to perform or feel uncomfortable with the movement at your gym. Find an exercise you’re perfectly comfortable doing in the time and setting where it’s most convenient for you to exercise. Also avoid exercises with movements you find too complex or too simple, as you will be overwhelmed or bored by them.
- Choose exercises that work different parts of the stomach muscles. There are a lot of muscles in that area – if you leave out some of them, you may not achieve the results you want.
- Make sure you know how to perform the exercise without hurting your back! You’ll never achieve a flat stomach if you injure your back and have to take days or weeks off without working out.
The classics
Remember the classics that have worked for so many people when you choose your exercises. You don’t need to stick to the classics, but you do need to reach the same muscle groups and get the same feeling of challenge in your muscles. Therefore, it’s not a bad idea to try a very traditional workout first, then move onto other types of exercises if you want. You may find the classics give you all you’re looking for, but if not, at least you’ll know how an exercise should make your abdomen feel when it’s working.
- Crunches come in a variety of styles. Side crunches, classic crunches, no-strain crunches, etc.
- Scissor kicks and a variety of leg lifts work the stomach.
- Pilates is fantastic because every single exercise works the core (abdomen).
- Yoga contains a number of exercises that strengthen your core – it works along the same line as Pilates.
- The vacuum exercise is something you can actually do at your desk, while watching TV on the couch, while taking a walk, etc., making it one of the most convenient exercises you can do.
