Check out our Diet Reviews on AOL Health!

flat-related stories

Carol Burnett - Her Top 4 Smart and Funny Fitness Tips

Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products

carol burnettThe secret to thin legs. How to plump up the appearance of a flat fanny. How to stay trim. What exercise does and doesn't count. Carol Burnett shared superb advice on all these topics.

I just saw the legendary funny woman last night and was fortunate enough to ask her a couple of questions. At 73 years young, she really does have a body most women would dream of at that age (including me). In fact, she's always had an amazing physique; just check out her old pics from The Carol Burnett Show!

Burnett is starring in Laughter and Reflection with Carol Burnett: A Conversation with Carol Where the Audience Asks the Questions and besides answering my questions, she answered some from the audience as well.

On the topic of how she keeps her legs so thin: "I shave off loads of excess hair each day."

-The ape woman population will benefit greatly from doing this.

Carol Burnett - Fit and Funny(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Carol looks great at any age!She's always been lean and strong.Carol has a funny way of keeping her legs thin.Carol works out, but doesn't think Carol's eating habits are smart ... not silly.

Source

Train Like Batman - Flaunt Washboard Abs Without Needing a Bat Suit (VIDEO)

Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment

fit kicks pinbox

If you're a fan of Batman, or simply would like to have the same rippling abdominals the Batsuit provides ... check out this video and then try it at home.

For more innovative training videos, studded with stars ...

Source

How to Beat a Bloated Belly

Ask Fitz!, Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements

fitz absHave fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz, I just bought a fairly fitted dress for a party this weekend and am desperate to avoid a poochy tummy. I'm in pretty good shape but often get bloated. I can not wear this dress if I'm bloated. Help! Andrea

A. Hi Andrea, Bloating is a bummer, but I can definitely help you avoid it. You're just going to have to be smart about what you eat and drink for the few days prior to your event.

Source

Boxing Champ Floyd Mayweather Jr. wants you to carve flat abs

Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Womens Health, Celebrities and Entertainment, Cellulite, Obesity, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

"Pretty Boy Floyd" is not known for mincing words or sugar-coating anything. In fact this elite fighter who has won six world championship belts in five weight classes and has gone undefeated as a professional says it straight. He describes himself as the "greatest athlete ever," and honestly ... has done a lot to back that up.

He's featured in the book, Men's Health Celebrity Diet Secrets 2008, and I think one of his quotes is both poignant and hysterical. I encourage you not to read any further if you're easily offended though. He wasn't vulgar, but his thoughts on maintaining flat abs isn't for children either.

Before I go there, I just want you to know that Floyd not only walks the walk, but he has made it possible for his team (those who bust their butt to keep in at the top of his game) to get and stay fit as well. He's purchased memberships to 24-Hour Fitness for all of his employees. "I want to keep everyone around me healthy and in shape," he says.

Source

Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Vacations without Weight Gain & Flat Smooshy Tushies

Healthy Habits, Stress Reduction, Womens Health, Healthy Recipes, Ask Fitz!, Cellulite, Obesity, Healthy Events, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hey Fitz. I'm heading out for a week's vacation on a cruise ship next month, and worried that once again I'll gain almost ten pounds while gone. That's what I've done the last few times I've gone on a cruise. How can I get around it? There is awesome food everywhere! Susan.

A. Susan, Susan, Susan. I'm shaking my head. The deal with vacations, cruises especially, is that they're a time for you to relax, get away from the daily grind and have some fun. Pigging out and gorging are simply not what you should be focusing on...wherever you are! Yes, there is a lot of tasty food on cruise ships. There is also a lot of yummy things available at your local grocery store every single day! That doesn't' mean you should run through the aisles like a lunatic shoving everything you can get your hands on into your mouth. Just because food is THERE, just because food is FREE, doesn't mean you have to eat it.

Source

Crave-worthy foods for better abs

Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements

I don't think there's a person out there who doesn't want flatter abs, and if you don't, that's probably because you already have washboard abs, and you should know that we are all insanely jealous of you. But seriously. Getting flat abs is hard, but there are a few steps that can help you get closer to your goal.

The first step? Eating well. According to AOL Body, you should add these items to your diet to shrink your belly:
  • Almonds
  • Avocado
  • Chocolate -- the dark or semi-sweet kind
  • Flax seed oil
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Natural peanut butter
  • Olive oil
  • Pistachios
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Walnuts
Things to avoid? Think white -- mainly anything with refined sugar or refined flour. And go easy on the carbs, mmmmkay?

Source

What's your arch type?

Fitness

Do you know what kind of arch you have? Want to find out? Just dip your foot in water and step on a paper bag. Then look closely at your footprint.

If you're flat-footed or have a low arch, you'll see your entire footprint. If you have a high arch, you'll see a thin line between the ball and heel print. If you have a neutral or normal arch, your print will look like a half moon.

So what's your type? Whatever it is, make sure you use this information next time you go shopping for the perfect workout shoe. Different shoes support different arches -- so be sure to find the shoe that's just right for you.

Source

All about the bike

Fitness, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements

Watching my kids' milestones warms my heart. When they first walked, talked, fed themselves, brushed their own teeth, I was one proud mama. Today, I'm bursting at the seams with pride, all because my six-year-old hopped on his bike -- he's only been riding for few months -- and accompanied me on a six-mile trek.

With aching legs and labored breathing, we rode over flat terrain, and up hill, and down hill, and when we arrived at our half-way destination -- my sister's house -- we took a break. Then it was back on the bike for the return trip home. Joey said mid-way home, and mid-incline too, that he wished his Daddy would arrive -- Daddy has a truck, and Joey thought he needed rescuing. He didn't, though. He muscled his way through our journey and even announced at one point, "Can you believe a little guy is riding all this way?" I could believe it. I was witness to it. And it was grand.

Riding his bike this morning was so good for Joey. It was physically good, and mother-and-son good, and most of all, it was self-esteem good. Joey is proud, amazed even, that he accomplished such a task today. It makes me want to ride with him again, after he recovers from this fitness feat. When I told him, "Joey, I think we should do this every weekend," he replied with pure fatigue, "No! How about every 10 weeks?"

Every weekend, every 10 weeks. It doesn't matter to me. I'm game either way.

Daily Fit Tip: Say bye-bye to your belly

Daily Fit Tip, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

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.

Source

Fast fitness: Blast those abs in a flash

Fitness

One of the biggest physical issues people wish they could change about themselves is their midsection -- everybody wants a flatter and more toned stomach. But somehow even though it's one of the most desired physical changes it also seems to be one of the most elusive. Part of it is that even the slightest layer of fat can cover up a toned tummy and make it look flabby, and the other part is probably not having the time to work on it. But like anything, having the time is all about priorities and about how bad you want it, and if you're looking for a fast way to squeeze in some ab work these exercises may make it easier to get started. eDiets has tailored common moves like sit-ups, leg raises, and others into a fast and efficient ab routine.

Happy crunching!

Source

Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Butts & Guts Edition

Womens Health, Ask Fitz!, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Men's Health

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Dear Fitz. I'm trying so hard to shrink my tummy and I do tons of crunches. My friend says I'm doing no good. What's the truth? Katie

A. Very good questions Katie. It reminds me of a funny story my husband, who's in law enforcement just told me. The Chief of his department is a cool guy who also has been a certified fitness trainer. Very knowledgeable on two cool topics I think. My hubby's' Captain is also a really neat guy who I consider to be in pretty good shape. Looks good to me, you know? So anyway, one day in the department gym the Captain is on the floor doing crunches and the Chief comes along and tells him to stop wasting his time, because he's just "pushing the fat out". Makes me laugh every time I think about it. Poor Captain.

Here's the truth. If you're trying to shrink your tummy, crunches aren't the way to go. Crunches will absolutely strengthen and harden your abdominal muscles, but they will not shrink your tummy the way you'd like. Strong abs are great, but if you have a layer of fat over them.....you'll still look like a girl with a big belly.

What to do? Lose weight. Burn more calories than you consume. Eat foods that are low in calories and high in nutrition. Burn many extra calories with great workouts. When the fat disappears, we'll all be able to "Ooh and Ahh" over the sturdy abs you've been earning. Fitz.

Q. Hey Fitz. My butt is super saggy and it drives me nuts. My profile from the waste-down is flat wihich is not hot. Can you guide me on what to do? Erika.

Source


Source

There's still time to get your best abs ever

Men's Health

We ogle them, we obsess over them and men ... well, because we look, some of you are constantly holding them in. They are a benchmark of superior fitness and it's the body part that really turns our heads. We are of course talking about your abs!

What's that? You need help? Don't worry, with a little effort there's still plenty of time to get that washboard look. But with that said (and because summer is already here) don't be tempted to work them every day. In fact, training more can actually make your abs show less and too much training leads to increased laxity in your muscles. In other words, they could appear soft (and soft isn't good) so instead add resistance to make moves you already do more challenging. Then give your muscles time to rest.

You can find six more tips over at Men's Health to help you really unleash your abs. And, who knows ... maybe you'll be able to inspire women to show you theirs.

Source

Sit-ups: A total waste of time?

Fitness

Are sit-ups a total waste of time? If you enjoy doing them then the answer is 'no,' although if you're doing them just to build core strength you might be wasting your time. Why? Sit-ups and crunches have been around since the very beginnings of exercise, and it's not that they don't build strength and tone but in truth there may be better more effective ways to get the same results. Sit-ups and crunches are essentially isolation exercises, and doing comprehensive moves that involve your whole body where the abs and core can develop in coordination with the rest of the muscles can provide a strong core along with strong arms and legs and everything else.

I'm not a personal trainer, but I bet there's arguments on both sides of this issue: sit-ups or no sit-ups? That is the question.

Source

BOSU training 101 -- Give it a try, it's easy!

Healthy Habits, Womens Health, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Reviews & Products, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

The BOSU is that curious looking half-ball/ blue dome thingy sitting in the corner of most gyms. It's a fantastic piece of equipment, but most people sadly seem to have absolutely no idea what the heck to do with it. One of my newer personal training clients actually described it as looking 'scary'. Hmmmm. If you feel that way too read on, I'll tell all you need to know to get started.

First of all, BOSU stands for Both Sides Utilized. That means you can stand/balance on both the dome and the flat side. It's an incredibly versatile piece of equipment that allows the user to work on balance, stabilization, strength, stamina, and flexibility. It's usable for beginners, athletes, and those in rehab. In fact, my two year old son has been 'playing' on it since he could crawl. Here's the basics on what you can do with a BOSU that you can try without a trainer. Just give it a go.

Getting started: Flat side down, stand on the dome. Scary? Not really. You'll only be about six-eight inches off hate ground and if you feel wobbly you can simply step off. Get on and stand there for a while. Now do it with your eyes closed. You'll feel the need to adjust and that's good. That's what the BOSU is for. The BOSU will make all the exercises you normally do, just a bit different. It requires you to engage new muscles even as you stand straight up. How fancy! If you choose to use the BOSU dome side down, try it out with something to hold on to at first. My secret to getting up without help is to step on one side with all of my weight and then step up onto the high side.

Source

Your best upper body exercise

Healthy Aging, Womens Health, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Men's Health

Push-ups are by far my favorite upper body exercise. In fact, if you had to choose only one exercise to do for your upper body for the rest of your life.......you better pick the push-up. This all in one exercise works just about every muscle above your hip and then some. No other strength training exercise has the ability to work your chest, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps, forearm, abs, erector spinae (low back), glutes, calves, anterior tibialis (over your shin), neck. and more. Not only are they the best, they're something almost everybody can do. Barring spinal injuries and rotator cuffs, unless you've specifically been told not to do push-ups.....you should do them.

Here's a bunch of fun ways to do a push-up, in order from easiest to hardest. Keep in mind, your back should always be straight, Your tushy should not sag down, or stick up. Breath, breath, breath. Suffocation is rarely useful. I normally start my clients with three sets. Do the most you can possibly do on your first, rest and repeat two times. You'll be surprised at how quickly you progress.

Level 1:

Wall push-ups. Hands on wall, feet on floor about a foot away. Push out.

On knees, butt high. Hands and feet shoulder width apart on ground, push-up.

On knees butt flat. Hands and feet shoulder width apart on ground, push-up.

Source

Featured Writers
Bob GreeneReggie Casagrande
Bob Greene
Jonny BowdenJohn GanonJonny Bowden

Tanya ZuckerbrotFadil BerishaTanya Zuckerbrot
Liz Neporent Liz Neporent