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Fit Factor: drop the Buddha belly and tone your abs
Posted on Jan 12th 2007 6:00AM by Martha EdwardsOk, here's the deal. I work go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week, I do yoga on a regular basis and I walk a lot. I eat healthy, I weigh a healthy weight and my body is fairly toned overall. Yet I can't seem to get rid of the little paunch I have in my midsection. It's bad. So bad that I've had people ask me when I'm due. 'No baby,' I say, 'just fat.' Actually, it's more embarrassing for them than for me. But I do feel a wave of cringe pass over me when ever I see myself in a picture wearing something even slightly revealing. Or when I see myself in the mirror at yoga (those yoga pants are great but they don't conceal much.) I'm pretty envious of people with six pack abs. And though I've learned to not beat myself up over my Buddha Belly, that doesn't mean I wouldn't love to get rid of it.
As part of their 30 Day Jumpstart feature, AOL has posted a section on flattening the belly. They have a number of exercises listed, including ones that you can do with a bad back and ones that you can do at your desk (!), where I happen to spend a lot of time. Of course, you can't really go wrong with a good old crunch, can you? Well, no, but keep in mind that it's quality, not quantity that's important when it comes to crunches. Most people focus on the 'six pack' muscles when it comes to working their abs, but it's important to target all abdominal muscles -- including the obliques (the ones on either side of your torso) and the transverse abdominus (the deep muscle layer, far below what you can see.) For some more ab workout ideas, check this out.A great thing about exercising your abs is that you don't need much fancy equipment to work your muscles, although investing in an exercise ball might be worth it -- I don't know exactly why, but every time I do crunches on one of those, my abs end up waaaayyyyy more sore than they do with regular crunches. Another workout that leaves my midsection muscles moaning ? Pilates.
As for your eating habits, try to avoid sugary and salty foods because those will cause you to retain water and feel bloated. Be sure to get lots of fiber, as it helps you stay regular, which helps lessen the junk ... uh, you know ... in there. And as always, drink lots of water -- it helps flush your system.
As part of their 30 Day Jumpstart feature, AOL has posted a section on flattening the belly. They have a number of exercises listed, including ones that you can do with a bad back and ones that you can do at your desk (!), where I happen to spend a lot of time. Of course, you can't really go wrong with a good old crunch, can you? Well, no, but keep in mind that it's quality, not quantity that's important when it comes to crunches. Most people focus on the 'six pack' muscles when it comes to working their abs, but it's important to target all abdominal muscles -- including the obliques (the ones on either side of your torso) and the transverse abdominus (the deep muscle layer, far below what you can see.) For some more ab workout ideas, check this out.A great thing about exercising your abs is that you don't need much fancy equipment to work your muscles, although investing in an exercise ball might be worth it -- I don't know exactly why, but every time I do crunches on one of those, my abs end up waaaayyyyy more sore than they do with regular crunches. Another workout that leaves my midsection muscles moaning ? Pilates.
As for your eating habits, try to avoid sugary and salty foods because those will cause you to retain water and feel bloated. Be sure to get lots of fiber, as it helps you stay regular, which helps lessen the junk ... uh, you know ... in there. And as always, drink lots of water -- it helps flush your system.
