Weight Loss, Diet and Fitness Program

When it comes to building a better body, a firm, flat stomach is a must! Not only do taut, trim abs look great in barely-there blouses and slim skirts, but they also help protect you from developing potentially debilitating back problems. You don’t have to work out for hours to have a better belly. It’s possible to play your way to a sleek, slim stomach when you regularly participate in aerobic activities like in-line skating, running, swimming, biking and walking. Your entire lower body can benefit from these sports, and you’ll also give your body the cardiovascular shape-up it needs to keep your heart healthy.

Specific stomach toners go a long way towards building a belly beautiful, too. Such moves strengthen the four major sets of muscles that make up the abdominal region, and give it a flatas-a-pancake appearance, too.

Do the following five tummy trimmers for a month, and you’ll see and feel a positive difference in the size and shape of your stomach. As you tackle these toners, lie on an exercise mat, thick towel, or rug to cushion your back. Don’t use your head, neck and shoulders to pull your upper body off the floor-use your stomach muscles, and don’t be discouraged if you can’t sit up very high just yet. It’s the effort you make, not how high you sit up, that will lead to a flatter stomach before you know it!

As with any diet and/or exercise program, get your doctor’s permission before you try this routine.

AB CRUNCH 1
BEGINNING POSITION: Lie flat on floor, legs bent, knees together, feet flat on floor. Cross arms over chest.
STEP 1: Keeping knees bent and arms across chest, rise off floor slowly, curling up each vertebra separately until you reach a 45-degree angle (look in a mirror or ask someone to watch your body alignment when you first try this exercise). Keep lower back on the floor.
STEP 2: Return to Beginning Position.
Do this exercise 12 times.

AB CRUNCH 2
BEGINNING POSITION: Lie flat on back, knees bent, heels pressed together. Let knees fall sideways. Lace hands behind head.
STEP 1: Lift upper body off floor as high as possible, using ab muscles to raise head, neck and shoulders. Keep knees relaxed to the sides.
STEP 2: Return to Beginning Position.
Do this exercise 12 times.

AB CRUNCH 3
BEGINNING POSITION: Lie flat on back, knees bent, feet on floor. Extend right arm alongside body, palm up. Cradle lifted head in left hand.
STEP 1: Reach down right side of body, stretching toward far wall with fingertips.
STEP 2: Return to Beginning Position.
Do this exercise 12 times.

AB CRUNCH 4
BEGINNING POSITION: Lie on back, hands behind head. Raise and extend left leg at approximately a 45-degree angle, foot flexed. Draw right knee toward chest, flexing right foot.
STEP 1: Lift upper body off floor and reach for right knee with left elbow.
STEP 2: Return to Beginning Position.
Do this exercise 12 times for each side.

AB CRUNCH 5
BEGINNING POSITION: Lie flat on back, with lower calves and feet resting on a chair. Place hands behind head, elbows out to sides.
STEP 1: Lift head, neck and shoulders off floor.
STEP 2: Reach left elbow towards right knee.
STEP 3: Return to Beginning Position.
Do this exercise 12 times for each side.