That's Fit

I wasn't sure what my physical therapist meant when she told me to "zip it up" as I was exhaling during an ab exercise. So she explained: Suck in your stomach just like you would if zipping really tight jeans. Aha. We all know how that feels, right? My exercise suddenly became easier.

Here it is, a little something designed to strengthen the lower transversus abs.

• Lie on your back.
  
  

• Place hands on your lower abdomen.
  
  

• Inhale and feel your abdomen expand. Your tummy should pushed out and full of air.
  
  

• Exhale as you pull your lower abdominals in, just like you would when zipping tight pants. The more forcefully you exhale, the stronger the transversus abdominus contraction.
  
  

Do 10 to 15 reps twice daily and before you know it, those tight jeans won't be so tight.

Flat abs are not only the status symbol of men and women of all ages, flat abs are a decent reflection of overall health. Ever see a chubby guy with a skinny middle? Probably not. Know a lot of plus-sized mamas who flaunt a whittled waist? Not so much. A trim waist line is usually a good predictor that one is doing the right thing.

Of course there are the rare exceptions. We know the folks who eat all sorts of junk food and can never gain a pound. Skinny people die of heart attacks too. Having said that, most little middle people take decent care of themselves. It's almost a tad frustrating, because tight flat abs are usually the last thing people earn on their fitness journey. Trim legs and arms come waaaaaaaaay faster than abs worthy of a teeny bikini.

So how do you get yours? The formula is simple. Burn more calories than you consume to become leaner, and work your abdominal and back muscles to create a firm and tight core.

Pilates is one of the hottest fitness trends out there, and I can see why. It's a great workout for your core muscles, and strengthening your core has a number of great benefits, including helping your balance and posture, not to mention bringing you one step closer to a flat stomach.

But going to your first Pilates class can be a bit overwhelming. Unless you're in a beginner class, your instructor will use all sorts of terms that might be confusing -- sit bones, transverse abdominus, obliques and so on. If you're considering taking up Pilates, check out this handy guide from Think Pilates. They've covered all the proper terms -- so you can navigate your first pilates class with ease.

Firm flat abs are the status symbol of every fitness enthusiast in the country. They're the great equalizer in the world. Rich or poor, fabulous abs are up for grabs to whomever is willing to work for them. Are you ready for yours? If so...start your engines and lets get to work. It's time to earn that six pack and show it off!

First. Change your eating habits! If you're carrying extra weight at all, we'll never be able to see your rock hard abdominal muscles. How could we with a layer of fat covering thm? Don't diet just eat smart! Cut calories, fat and sugar. Choose veggies, fruits, lean meat and lean dairy. Consume less than you burn and you'll cut the belly blubber quick.

Second. Sweat....A LOT! Some people think they can do a bazillion crunches, and they alone will bring great abs. Again! You can crunch all you want, but you have to cut the fat. Eat right, and burn lots of calories. Cardiovascular training at a challenging pace is the best way to burn fat. Get sweaty. Don't stop moving until your face is red and your hair is soaked. Do this most days of the week.