Let’s talk abs—we all want them, but a strong core goes beyond just looking good. Keeping those abdominal muscles tight and toned is key for suppoçrting our lower back, improving our posture, and even preventing injury.

If you think about it, everything from walking to bending, to bringing in those heavy bags of groceries relies on a strong and tight core. If we let our core muscles get weak, we run the risk of suffering from back pain and not so great posture.

So, if you want stronger and sexier abs, read on. I’m breaking down the number one ab myth as well as my top tips for how to work on a stronger core.

The Number One Ab Myth

Let’s talk ab myths. The most common misconception is that doing ab exercises (aka crunches and sit-ups) is the only way to get a six pack.

But, heads up—this is entirely false. In fact, there are a number of other variables that come into play.

Things like proper nutrition and a well-rounded fitness routine is going to be far more beneficial than solely using core work to get that six-pack.

A study even found that doing just ab exercises for six weeks, without any other form of fitness training did not result in toned and sexy abs. It actually didn’t reduce the fat around the abdominal muscles at all.

What does this tell us? This proves that we need variety in our fitness routine. Adding some cardio and strength training, while sprinkling in some ab work is going to be key.

It’s all about the variety and balance!

How to Get Flat Abs

Ok, so how do you get flat abs? I have compiled my top tips for a stronger and tighter core that you’re going to want in on.

1. Stock Your Kitchen For Flat Abs

Ever hear the saying “abs are made in the kitchen?” Well, it’s true, at least to a certain extent. Healthy eating paired with the right types of exercise is the dynamic duo you need for stronger, flatter abs.

Some of the best things to keep in fridge for flatter abs include:

Plain Greek yogurt
Almond milk
Turmeric ginger tea
Veggies: lauki, bell peppers, onions
Chicken
Eggs
Nuts
Nut butters
Chia seeds
Lemons
Coconut oil
Herbal teas

2. Avoid These Ab Exercise Mistakes

Did you know that there’s a right way and a wrong way to tone your abs? Yup, it’s true. I’m letting you in on the three ways not to exercise those abs and what you can do instead.

Skip the Weighted Side Bends: These create a boxed look, not those toned sexy abs! Try This Instead: Try doing some side hip taps in a plank position instead to get those sexy obliques.

Crunches: While this may be surprising, crunches really aren’t all that effective at toning our abs. Plus, they are also notorious for causing neck and back pain.

Try This Instead: Instead of regular old crunches, try to add some movement into your core work by pulling your abs in while in a seated position, rocking back, and pulling it all back up.

Weighted Machines at the Gym: More weight does not mean more burn! Adding more muscle on top of those abs is not going to give us that flat ab look—it actually adds bulk.
Try This Instead: Try using your own body weight instead, doing more effective and targeted ab work by doing moves like cross knee to elbow and back kicks.

3. Add Variety to Your Workout Routine

As I mentioned before, variety really is key here. There’s a reason we say variety is the spice of life! It’s important to keep things interesting in your fitness routine, not only to prevent yourself from getting bored of the same thing but also to keep targeting different muscle groups and to keep challenging that core.

Be sure to mix up your ab work with plenty of cardio and strength training throughout the week. Oh, and don’t forget to stretch!

Finally Get Those Flat Abs You’ve Been Dreaming Of

If you feel like you’ve been going about getting those toned and sexy abs all wrong, I’m here to tell you that with some subtle, but very effective shifts in how you work on those abs, you may just see the results you’ve been after.

Try spicing up the way you work on getting that six-pack, and embrace a whole new approach to toning that core. To get a personalised diet call on 9049364351. Your dietitian and nutritionist, Prioshka Rodrigues