i have had trouble trying to get a flat stomach. workouts aren't working for me. anyone have any ideas??
453179
You haven't mentioned the specifics of your workout routine and what you've done that isn't working for you.  So here is some specific information about working the abdominals.\n\nFirst and foremost, stay away from any ab machine as they are simply a waste of money and barely effective.\n\nThe abdominal muscles work just like any other muscle and have to be challenged as such.  High-repetition crunches will work nothing more than your endurance.  If you want muscular abdominals, you have to challenge them with resistance and good form just like you would your chest, your back or any other muscle for that matter.  Targeting the correct muscle fibers and energy system is imperative.  This means you should never enter into the aerobic phase of this exercise, ideally keeping it under 2 minutes at most.  \n\nThink of rolling a carpet and contracting fully on the top of the movement and squeeze.  If you do them correctly, you shouldn't be able to do more than 30 crunches.  Any more than that, and you're probably doing them half-azz, incorrectly or with a partial range of motion.\n\nFor the upper abs, focus on crunches which effectively work the abdominals better than sit-ups or any machine on the market.\n\nFor the lower abs, keep in mind there is very little muscle tissue there so decreasing levels of body fat is the most effective way to bring out the best in this area. Hanging leg raises, v-situps and reverse curls are among some of the best exercise for this region. Always make sure your pelvis curls up to maximize lower abdominal contraction during these exercises.\n\nAs far as fat loss goes, cardio, cardio, cardio. In the morning, on an empty stomach at about 70% of your maximum heart rate for about 30-45 minutes. This combined with a common sense diet will quickly shed body fat so you can actually see those abs you've developed. \n\nI would encourage you to seek the advice and guidance of a personal trainer in your area for further education on these principles. Please ensure you start off at a very basic level for crunches and cardio if you are a beginner.\n\nHere's a good list of ab exercises:\nhttp://www.preventdisease.com/fitness/Strength_Exercises_abdominals.html
629560
if you find out can you let me know!!!\n\nSome of us just aren't lucky enough to get back tyhe figure we had before mother hood.\n\nIf your back hurst with sit ups try something like Yoga or pilates it could help tone a little.
361744
try running, seams to burn more then walking, I know some people clam walking works just as good but they all seam to be large people.  you can also go to any store (most big box sores will have this) and go to there exercise equipment area then look for an abb wheel, its just a small wheel with a bar threw it.  use that, your tummy will be flat in no time.  It should run you around $10 or so, put a pillow or other padding down for you knees or they will not like it lol.
199966
You will certainly need more than 10 days to flatten your belly.  Multiply that by about 10 at that may be a more reasonable time range to see modest results.\n\nFirst and foremost, stay away from any ab machine as they are simply a waste of money and barely effective.\n\nFor the upper abs, focus on crunches which effectively work the abdominals better than sit-ups or any machine on the market.\n\nFor the lower abs, keep in mind there is very little muscle tissue there so decreasing levels of body fat is the most effective way to bring out the best in this area. Hanging leg raises, v-situps and reverse curls are among some of the best exercise for this region. Always make sure your pelvis curls up to maximize lower abdominal contraction during these exercises.\n\nAs far as fat loss and getting ripped goes, cardio, cardio, cardio. In the morning, on an empty stomach at about 70-80% of your maximum heart rate for about 30-45 minutes. This combined with a common sense diet will quickly shed body fat so you can actually see those abs you've developed. \n\nI would encourage you to seek the advice and guidance of a personal trainer in your area for further education on these principles. Please ensure you start off at a very basic level for crunches and cardio if you are a beginner.\n\nHere's a list of ab exercises to help you get started:\nhttp://www.preventdisease.com/fitness/Strength_Exercises_abdominals.html
595433
theres this magazine called SEVENTEEN and what the more recent issue has is these pilaties methods. and they really work! they give you a flat stomach in only 10 days! im serious. go buy the magazine. or check the site listed below.\n\nI\nI\nI\nI\nI\nV
161204
Diet and exercise. However due to the musculature of the abdomen, you will not get a completely flat stomach. Muscles do protrude. :) The Ab-Lounge works well ONLY for the front abdominal muscles. If you want to work your obliques, try a series of crunches by your knee to the opposite side of your head. Also, to protect your neck, do NOT put your hands behind your head, and always look at the ceiling so that you are using the right muscles; abs NOT back.
549945
A flat stomach won't appear overnight and it does take a lot of hard work. Unfortunately you can not just spot reduce your stomach, and sit-ups and crunches alone will not get you the results that you are seeking.  In order to slim it down and make it flat, you must reduce the fat in and around this area.  I would suggest that you minimize consumption of fats, refined carbohydrates, and sugars, and eat a healthy balanced diet. \n\nAlso maybe start a good, low intensity cardio program, like walking or slow jogging, to help you lose fat instead of just burning calories.  Pilate's and Yoga are very good for core strengthening, which will also help you gain a flat stomach. \n\nSlower, controlled movements are much better than rapid/quick actions like with fast sit ups. Try and focus more on your form and technique rather than how many you can do, and you will see results faster. Try and vary your exercises daily, so that you don't get to bored. Also, a belly ball is a very good investment. \n\nMost importantly, try to keep a positive attitude and definitely make sure to keep a positive body image.  I don't know why you are seeking a flat stomach but here's something to think about for a moment; Intelligence, paired with a good attitude, and a gentle smile, always projects self confidence, and looks amazing in pretty much anything you wear.\n \nHope I was helpful!\n\nGood luck!
157458
Do crunch machines at a gym where you can work out at. That has helped me. Also, if there is a spinning class at your gym, try it out. It has helped me a great deal. Eat less fatty foods and junk foods. Eat healthy foods. Drink plenty of water as well. Hopefully this helps. God bless you!
388986
Exersing your abdominal muscles is not going to flatten your stomach.  What you need to do is get rid of the fat over your lower abdomen.  Unfortunately, you can't really spot reduce and this may well be the last place fat will come off of your body.  In order to get rid of that last bit of fat, you may have to reduce your body fat to an unhealhy and unreasonable level.  Try to focus  more on health and less on getting a 6 pack,,,
486315
ugh! i have the same problem. but try some cardio excercises, (running, jump rope, eliptical) because i read that cardio burns fat. crunches and sit up tone the muscles, like me i have great abs but there hidden under a layer of fat. so im starting to add some cardio into my daily regimine.
486657
You need to do a lot of crunches, or if you have access to an ab lounger, it works beautifully without back pain. Good Luck!
456398
I too have this exact problem. For one month i have been doing the treadmill and stationary bike. I do the treadmill/bike on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. 15 minutes on each one. I go and do 5 minutes bike and 5 minutes treadmill. back and forth to avoid tiring just one muscle but several instead.\nOn Tuesday and Thursday I do 1-3lb weights on my arms and 'abs of steel'. \nI have lost 5 pounds.\nthe secret as well is water. divide your weight in half and that is how many ounces you should be drinking aday.\nI have been eating shreddies for breakfast[no sugar] and whole wheat bread sandwich for lunch. I am loosing my stomach. i can literally feel it breaking down. \nthe weights on the arms 'firms' up the breast area.\ngood luck to you and your 'assets' :)
159252
i take it by your question that you have not tried excercise yet. \n\nsome women are able to look the way they did pre pregnancy. some are not. I would recomend regular excercise. You can do some cardio, do some weight training. \n\nI used to run 6 miles a day and do some light weight training. My stomach was never completely flat, but alot of that baby belly was gone. \n\nWhatever you are able to loose, great. Whatever you maintain, great.\n\nProviding you are not grossly obese, you should be proud of what motherhood has given you. Loose what  you can, but be proud of all you have. .."I am woman, hear me roar"\n\nGood luck.
588897
If you are looking only for a flat stomach, I would suggest doing a lot of cardiovascular exercise.  Do cardio 5-6 times a week with about 45 minutes sessions at moderate/high intensity (switching during intervals).\n\nIf you want to tone your stomach, do crunches, pelvic tilts, and twisting exercises holding weight plate with both hands to build your obliques too.  I would avoid leg lifts unless your back can handle them.  It can put undue stress on your back.  Also, I would suggest strengthing your back too.  It will help balance your abdominals.
339133
There is a pilates excercise that I like because it's the soloution to the "flat stomach + no pain" problem.\n\nYou get a pilates ball, and lay, with your upper body on the ball, and your knees stretched out and holding you up.  Do this while watching TV or a movie or something.  It doesn't make you that tired, and at first it's so unpainful that you can't believe it's working, but it is!
803052
Work out and concentrate on your mid section and lift weights and increase protein consumption some.  When I had my children the OB doc gave me literature about loosing the belly flab and I used it and had flatter stomach than before kids.  Call yours and see if they have some.  Leg lifts seemed especially helpful for me while tucking my butt muscles.  But seriously check with MD that delivered your last baby for exercises.  I'll bet they would mail them to you.
820435
I have a few suggestions, maybe your not getting enough excersise, the more you get the better. Another thing is maybe your depressed. Good luck!!