How To Tone Your Stomach!

4 Simple Ideas on How to Tone Your Stomach in No Time!

2012-04-12T02:11:00.000-07:00

We know summer is knocking on the door and the beach will come calling before you know it. Therefore, right now’s the best time for you to work on those abs and get you ready to strut your stuff in your swimsuit! Here are four simple tips to tone your stomach at lightning speed:

1. Go for cardio every morning before breakfast. Go out for a jog, pedal on your exercise bike, or anything you wish. Get yourself sweating lightly for something like 20-25 minutes. It’s VERY IMPORTANT to work out before breakfast, since your stomach will be empty then, and all the calories burned at that time are calories of fat. Burn more fat calories, and get more definition. I can't stress this enough!

2. Reach for the apple; skip the bagel. Load up on fruit instead of bread. The vitamins and nutrients will rejuvenate you, and they’ll also give your metabolism a boost, causing you to burn through more fat calories throughout the day. They can also be filling without you eating too much, so if you eat an apple and an orange, you shouldn't get too hungry.

3. Eat more smaller meals. You can go for pretty much whatever you usually might eat, but instead of gorging yourself on three large meals, it’s much better to have five smaller meals. This method kick-starts the metabolism, and it won’t need to burn all those big meals, and can work on burning more fat instead! This isn't a drastic change in the least. Rather than the big hoagie for lunch, why not half of the sandwich with a side salad? Then you can return to the remainder of the hoagie when you get hungry again. Spread things out - it curbs your appetite AND your metabolism will have a chance to take out the excess fat.

4. Go for some ab workouts later in the day. These workouts can include sit-ups, crunches,
leg-lifts, or whatever you want for only 5-10 minutes. Take it easy - you don't have to burn yourself out. Most of your work has already been done with your cardio in the morning, so these drills are just for the finishing touches.

So there you go! Isn’t that unbelievably simple? You don’t need a gym membership or change your life to get your stomach all nice and toned. Just get into a rhythm, and in weeks, you’ll be the envy of the beach! So go for it! And once you're ready for them, the advanced tips on toning your stomach are here.

*Please always seek your doctor's advice before starting an exercise program. If you feel anything abnormal, please stop your exercise.

Advanced Tips on Toning Your Stomach

2012-03-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well, once you've started employing my 4 tone your stomach tips I talked about earlier, you should begin to see some real results after about three weeks. Your stomach should be toned, and you should be able to start seeing more definition on the rest of your body.

You're almost there, but you're not done yet! If you want to get the last bit of your stomach toned, and lose that last bit of fat, you'll have to employ a couple of more easy steps. It's not too tough at all, and within a few weeks, you'll be ready to show off your defined abs!

Are you ready? Here's how:

1. Employ some interval training into your cardio. I know that sounds fancy, but all that really means is that you exercise at different intensities. So for example, if you're jogging in the morning, you'd sprint for 5-10 seconds, and then go back to jogging, and repeat this 3-4 times. The best place to do this is on your stationary bike:
a. Pedal at 60% intensity for 15 minutes.
b. Then for 15 seconds, pedal at 90% intensity.
c. Once you're done, pedal at 30% intensity for 1 minute 30 seconds.
d. Pedal at 90% intensity again for 15 seconds.
e. Repeat steps b-d 2-3 more times.

What this does is really gets your metabolism moving and enables the fat-burning mechanisms to activate. It's very easy to implement.

2. Lift some weights. Lifting weights also really gets the metabolism going, and no it will not make you bulky, as the myth suggests. All it does is activates another area through which fat can be burned. And that's always a good thing. Just light lifting is fine. Something for perhaps 20 minutes at a light to medium intensity, 2-3 times a week should do the job.

You can divide up your lifting days by target area. For example, on Monday, you can work your arms, and on Wednesday, you can work your legs, and on Friday, you can work your chest and/or back. Do whatever you feel is best. And remember, a light workout is fine. Work smarter, not harder.

And that's it! Employ these advanced strategies consistently, and I have no doubt that you'll be turning heads on the beach!

*As always, please get medical advice before taking on any exercise regimen. If you ever feel light-headed, please stop exercising.

The Essential List of Belly Fat Exercises

2011-03-31T11:46:00.000-07:00

Let's face it - belly fat is not your friend. It sticks out like a sore thumb, restricts the clothes you get to wear, and most importantly, is bad for your health. It is very important that we not allow this fat to exist, as it can lead to a whole host of other problems. Fortunately for us, there are pretty amazing belly fat exercises out there that will get rid of excess in your stomach for good. All it requires is a little diligence and a determined mind. And since you're here, I know you have those things. So without further ado, here's the list of my favorite abdominal fat exercises!

Exercise 1: Leg Raises
- Lie down on the floor, and place your hands underneath your butt. Make sure you're comfortable.
- While keeping your legs as straight as you can comfortably, slowly raise them to a 35 degree angle or so.
- Stop for a second, and then slowly return your legs back down, but don't let them touch the ground.
- Stop for a second, and raise them again. Repeat this process 10 times or so.

Exercise 2: Knee Raises
- Sit down on the edge of a chair, and place your hands underneath your butt.
- Slowly raise your knees toward your stomach.
- Stop for a second, and return your legs to the starting position, but don't let them touch the ground.
- Stop for a second, and raise your knees toward your stomach again. Repeat this process 10 times or so.

Exercise 3: Side Bends
- Pick up a weight in one hand (or place that same hand behind your head if you don't have a weight).
- While standing, place feet a shoulder width apart.
- Slowly bend your torso to the side that you are holding the weight.
- Pause, and return to starting position.
- Repeat this process 20 times, and then switch your weight to your other hand and bend in that direction.

Exercise 4: Bridges
- Lie down on your stomach.
- Lift your body parallel to the floor, as if you're doing a push-up.
- Hold your body weight up on your forearms, such that they are parallel to your body.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds or so.

As far as belly fat burning exercises go, these are the most effective ones I can think of. It is not uncommon to see changes in definition in as little as two weeks or so. The main tool to use against belly fat is really your mind, and all you need is a little bit of determination and mental toughness, and a defined midsection is yours. So go out there and dominate, and come back here for more stomach fat exercises! Good luck!

Does The Ab Circle Work to Tone Your Stomach?

2011-02-18T17:02:00.000-08:00

You've seen the ads. The Ab Circle is praised as a revolutionary new way to tone your abs, using a unique side-to-side motion to help burn away the excess fat in your stomach, leading to a nice, toned midsection. But the question is, does it really work?

Having used it for a while now, I'd have to say that yes it does.

Of course, nothing is free, and it does require work to get the results you want. So anybody looking to get a six-pack without effort will be disappointed. But of course, I know I don't have to worry about that with you guys!

So yes, it definitely works if you put in the effort diligently. Listed below are some pros and cons regarding the workout that the Ab Circle provides:

Pros:

1. A unique motion does indeed provide resistance that our abs are generally not accustomed to, which most certainly helps in toning your stomach.

2. There are different settings available, such that exercisers of varying fitness levels may be able to use the Ab Circle. You can work up to higher levels, and progress is pretty rapid.

3. By moving in different directions, there is a variety of ab exercises that can be performed, which prevents boredom with respect to a certain routine. The abdominal muscles are targeted in many different ways, which definitely helps in developing them quickly.

Cons:

1. At first, the motion can be a little tough on your back, since it's a new motion that it isn't used to. So at first, you'll need to take it easy, and take breaks if you need to. But the good news is that over time, your back muscles will get stronger, and will be able to handle the motion. However, if back pain persists, definitely stop exercising.

So in sum, the Ab Circle definitely works to tone your stomach. The key, as with everything, is consistency, proper form, and a positive attitude. Best of luck in your abdominal sculpting efforts!

3 Often Neglected Exercises for Toning Your Stomach

2010-03-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

When people try to partake in their stomach exercises, they generally focus on crunches and sit-ups. While they are certainly useful, they are not the only ways to tone your stomach. There are some other highly effective ab exercises you can do that will help increase your stomach tone, but not enough people know about them! Here they are:

1. Side bends.

- Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart.

- Place your left hand behind your head.
- Place your right hand on the right side of your right thigh. This is your starting position.

- While bending your torso to the right, slowly slide your right hand down your thigh as far as you can comfortably go.

- Hold for a second, and return back to your starting position.

Do about 3 sets of 20 of these. Once you're done, switch sides and perform this exercise in the reverse direction.

2. Side bridge.

- Lie down on a mat on your side, with your legs straight.
- With your forearm closest to the floor, lift yourself up such that your body is at an angle to the floor, with your legs still straight.
- Tighten your stomach.
- Hold that position for about 30-60 seconds, or as long as you're comfortable.

Once you're done with this, switch over to the other side and repeat.

3. Front bridge.

- Put yourself in position to do a push-up.
- Instead of holding yourself up with your hands, hold yourself up with your forearms, such that your elbows are bent at around 90 degrees or so.
- Tighten your stomach.

- Hold that position for about 30-60 seconds, or as long as you feel comfortable.

Do these exercises every other day, and you are on your way to toned abs!

Not too bad, right? These exercises are excellent for toning your stomach, so you'll see pretty fast results with these. But remember to never overdo it! It's simply a matter of consistency and taking small steps to get to your goals. Stay with it, and you'll be leaner in no time!

Some Easy-to-Implement Tips On Toning Your Stomach

2010-03-01T21:23:00.000-08:00

I always say that toning your stomach doesn't need to be such a tough thing. All it takes is small changes in your lifestyle, that, once you get used to them, you'll forget that you made any changes at all. In no particular order, here are some really great tips for improving your "stomach tone".

1. Replace your regular milk with skim milk - the benefits realized here cannot be overstated. Skim milk tastes great, and you get the benefits of regular milk, but without the fat!

2. Eat walnuts, cashews, etc. They are great for burning fat and are packed with essential nutrients to help tone your stomach.

3. Try out some yoga! You don't have to partake in grueling sessions - just get into the rhythm of it. In time, you'll increase your flexibility and strengthen your core, which will most certainly help you on your way to sculpted abs.

4. Some cardio is obviously in order, but take small steps. For example, instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs. Walk to the stores instead of driving there. Or take public transportation if that's available. One thing you see in larger cities is that the people seem leaner. And that's because there's more walking to be done!

5. Do the exercises on how to tone your stomach listed on this website. We go through plenty of other stomach exercises, so take a look around and find what you like!

6. Make sure you stay hydrated! Water will keep you alert, help you clean out your system, and will keep you full, so it'll be easier to avoid the refrigerator's advances.

7. Eat more meals, but with smaller portions. 5 meals throughout the day is good. It will help keep your metabolism fast and will give it a chance to burn off the food you ate before.

8. Instead of the white bread on your sandwich, switch to wheat. Want some pasta? Try the whole grain kind. And for rice, go for brown rice. You get the idea - these whole grain foods don't have the empty carbs and have more fiber. This is very helpful to your metabolism.

Easy, huh? These are just some simple tips you can use for toning your stomach, and as you can see, they don't require any huge changes. Just be consistent, and try your best. Intent is really important here, and I know you can do it! As you know, there are plenty of other stomach-sculpting tips throughout this website, so make sure you have a look around. And as always, best of luck in your efforts to get in shape!

The Lower Ab Exercises Essential for Toning Your Stomach

2010-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

You've been good about exercising and eating right. You look more toned than ever. But there is just one spot that doesn't seem to cooperate with you! Like an unwanted guest that refuses to leave your house, it is very difficult to get rid of that last bit of fat in your lower abdominal area. But fear not, we have the tips you need on how to tone your stomach fully and kick that lower-ab freeloader out for good! Ready?

1. Start with scissors.

Start with your back on the floor, and place your hands under your glutes or wherever you feel most comfortable. Make sure you flex your abs comfortably (don't overdo it!). Lift your legs about a foot off the floor. Take your right leg and lift it up a little further, and then bring it back down to 12 inches the floor, while simultaneously lifting your left leg to the level that your right leg just was. Then lift your right leg, as your left leg goes back down to the 12 inch level. In other words, your legs will be alternating. Repeat this process about 12 times.

2. Next step, crunch in reverse.

Lying down with your back on the floor and hands under your bottom (or wherever), lift your legs straight up. Bend your knees at around 90 degrees so they are comfortable. That's your starting position. Slowly lower your legs, and stop before your feet touch the floor. Lift back up to starting position and repeat. Do about 10 reps and you should be fine.

3. Last, but not least, leg lifts.

Again, lie down with your back on the floor and hands wherever you feel comfortable. Lift your legs straight up. Keep your legs straight as you lower them toward the floor, and stop when they are a few inches off the floor. Lift back up and repeat. You only need about 5-10 reps of this, but as you get stronger, you can do more (always be careful to not do more than you're comfortable doing).

And that's it! This should only take you about 10 minutes. The best thing about toning your stomach is that it doesn't take a huge time commitment. All you need is consistency, and if you can spare 10-20 minutes a day, you are on your way! Best of luck!

The Top 4 Myths About Toning Your Stomach

2010-01-17T06:17:00.000-08:00

Everyone seems to have tips on how to tone your stomach. Your cousin has a foolproof method of shedding abdominal fat. Bill from the gym seems to have come up with a routine. But how much of that is believable? How many of those are myths? How much of that have any basis in truth? This article will separate the real from the fake; the fluff from the substance.

Myth 1: If I don’t eat, I’ll have a more toned physique.

False! Skipping meals is bad for you! It will throw off your metabolism, which will hurt your ability to digest and process the meals you do eat. If your metabolism is negatively affected, much of the nutrients will be stored as fat, which will INCREASE the size of your belly. It will also probably cause you to eat more on the meals you eat. This could leave you susceptible to diabetes, by overloading your digestive system. So don’t skip meals – the best way to eat is by eating five smaller meals a day. This will enable your metabolism to keep up with your eating, enabling it to burn more fat. And that’s a good thing!

Myth 2: If I do more crunches, I’ll have a more toned stomach.

Not necessarily. You don’t want to overload yourself. Don’t go until you can’t do another sit-up or crunch. This will only serve to tire you out, and will also hurt your ability to build muscle. Strained muscles don’t grow as quickly. So the best thing to do is to do a certain amount of sets with a comfortable amount of repetitions. Say 5 sets of 20. Or however many you can do comfortably, but still work up a light sweat. This way, you do not overtrain, still get a workout, and will develop your abdominal muscles in a healthy fashion.

Myth 3: If I just exercise consistently, I can eat anything I want.

Nope. Six-pack abs are made in the kitchen. So that means you must cut down on the burgers, burritos, and potato chips. Even if you exercise diligently, eating those high-fat foods will leave you with a layer of fat on your stomach, covering whatever abdominal muscles you build. And since it takes 20 minutes of jogging to work off JUST ONE chocolate chip cookie, I’d stay away from the junk food, and reach for some fruit instead.

Myth 4: To get a six pack, I only have to work my abs.

This isn’t true either. You can’t spot-reduce abdominal fat. That means that you must shed fat overall before you can see results in your midsection. That is, you can’t just do crunches to have a flat stomach if your body fat percentage is too high. As a result, you need to lose fat all over your body, and reduce your overall body fat percentage. The best way to do that is listed on my 4 Easy Tips On How To Tone Your Stomach.

So now you know! Armed with this knowledge of common misconceptions with respect to toning your stomach, you will be better equipped to figure out what works and what doesn’t, which will help you in your quest for a flatter midsection. Good luck, and happy toning!

4 Secret Methods on Optimizing Your Fat Loss

2008-07-09T21:31:00.000-07:00

For toning your stomach, timely eating and smart exercise certainly go a long way. But do you really want to maximize your fat loss routine? Then read on. These are a few lesser-known secrets to guide you on your path to a leaner midsection:

1. Shun empty calories. This is extremely important, and the main culprit for empty calories is processed carbs. There's a reason that the high protein/low carb diets work so well. The cutting out of the empty carbs enable any workout routine to focus on burning fat, rather than those carbs that you ate. Also, it will reduce your diabetes risk. This process need not be drastic - just reach for an apple instead of a bagel, and have a granola bar instead of crackers. All it takes is moderation and consistency.

2. Try to cut down on drinks with calories. Soda is such an example. It is packed with sugar and contributes highly to your caloric intake. Coffee is the same. Also cut down on juice, since that has unnecessary calories too. Go for the real thing instead - an orange instead of orange juice, for example. This will give you some dietary fiber too. You can start slow on this process. Wean yourself off of the coffee, for example, and then work on the soda when you're ready.

3. Meditate. Meditation will help you manage your stress, which in turn manages your hormone levels. Hormonal imbalances cause fat gain, so keeping those hormones in order will enable you to tone your stomach. Hormones also govern your metabolism, so definitely pay attention to them. Try to cut as much stress out of your life as possible. Meditation after your work day goes a long way in this regard, not to mention its wealth of other benefits.

4. Practice a full-body exercise method. This can include sports, martial arts, pilates, and/or yoga. These activities engage your entire body in exercise, and are lots of fun too. These are better than sit-ups or crunches, since they will burn more fat much faster. Isolation exercises like sit-ups may be effective, but the full body workouts will get you to your goals far faster. Yoga and pilates are perfect for this, since they will shape your body into a long, lean, and toned figure. Defined abs are a benefit of this.

Not too bad, right? Remember, all it takes is consistency. Just take it one day at a time and try to do something productive each day. This way, you'll be able to stay focused on your goals without being overwhelmed. It's not that hard. You can do it!

6 Enjoyable Ideas for Toning Your Stomach

2008-07-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

It is a misconception that losing weight or losing fat in your stomach is a difficult task. This is not true! All it takes is consistency and getting used to being on the move. This is easy and completely within your reach!

Here are some simple ideas and activities as to how tone your stomach, and improve your overall health. These don't require any arduous workout routines. Just some fat-burning activities that are also fun. And extremely easy! Ready? Here we go:

1. Take a stroll. Walking is a great way to burn calories and ultimately shed fat. It's very low intensity, so you won't get too tired, and you'll get to take in the sights and sounds of wherever you decide to walk. Very relaxing. Take 30 minutes or however long you want, and your overall health will definitely improve.

2. Go swimming. Jumping in the pool is an excellent way to burn fat. It burns fat extremely quickly and are very easy on your knees. A 30 minute leisurely swim is plenty of time to burn lots of calories. Plus, since it's a full body workout, your overall muscle tone will benefit greatly.

3. Wash your car. The scrubbing and lathering will put your muscles in action, enabling you to burn fat quickly. The more fat you burn, the more toned your stomach will be. Plus your car will look great. What's not to like?

4. Do some house-cleaning. Similar to washing your car, picking up things, folding clothes, and vacuuming will certainly keep you on the move, enabling you to tone your muscles and burn your fat. Not only will your waistline be trim, you'll be living well too.

5. Go out dancing. Call up your people and go for a night out on the town. Dancing burns a whole lot of calories, and it can help you meet new and interesting people. You can also take a dance class, which will help you in the same way. Soon, you'll be an amazing dancer AND have a flat stomach!

6. Travel. Going on vacation will require you to carry a suitcase to the airport, and once you're at your destination, you'll have to walk around and go sightseeing. And what do those activities do? That's right - they burn calories and tone your stomach. So you'll get to go to new places you've never been and get your exercise in the process.

So there you have it. These are some amazingly easy activities for you to flatten those abs. They're lots of fun to do and extremely simple to add into your life. Just be consistent, and give it time, and your stomach will be sculpted in no time!

Some Things You Might Not Know about Toning Your Stomach

2008-05-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

For toning your stomach and getting a six pack, there are good ways, and there are better ways. Anybody can have a six pack, which is great news. It just requires motivation and consistency. This will manifest itself in your exercise and diet choices. It's always good to aim high. As they say, "It's better to shoot for the stars and land in the mud, than to shoot for the mud and make it."

Here, we'll go over the subtle changes you'll have to make in your lifestyle to develop those abdominal muscles:

1. Those sit-ups are important, but not that important. They do help develop your abdominal muscles, but it won't make a difference if you have a layer of fat covering them. Therefore, the key is diet. Focus on this first and foremost, and then secondarily, you can worry about your sit-up routine.

2. Buy a body fat calculator. For you to be able to see definition in your abs, you'll need to get down to about 8-9% body fat. Your gym has body fat calculators, so they can measure how much body fat you have now. Or you can buy one, which I recommend. They're not that expensive, and you can always have it handy to chart your progress. Charting your progress will keep you more motivated.

3. Gauge what diet changes are necessary for you to lower your body fat. Caloric intake is the most important factor. For you to lose weight, your caloric intake (the amount of calories you eat) must be lower than the calories you burn throughout the day. The more of a difference there is, the more weight you'll lose. So replace some of your junk food items with fruits, and add a salad instead of fries. These subtle changes will lower your caloric intake and will not be difficult to implement, since they're not that drastic. When there's a deficit between calories consumed and calories burned, the body needs energy to function throughout the day. And a source of energy is fat. Therefore, the body goes after the fat stores first during a caloric deficit. The result: A leaner you! But don't overdo it!

4. Now you can focus on exercise. But again, don't worry about those crunches and sit-ups right now. Focus more on cardio, such as jogging. Also implement some sprints into your routine. Instructions can be found here. Some general lifting of weights is also MUCH better than worrying about sit-ups. These build muscle, which help burn fat.

In conclusion, the most important things are diet and the RIGHT type of exercise to get you on the way to shedding fat and toning your stomach. Again, just be consistent and diligent, and you should be on your way to a head-turning physique in no time! You can do it!

Hidden Tips for Shedding Fat

2008-05-19T23:56:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately for us, there are no secret pills or diets that will help us lose weight. Yup, no silver bullet. To get rid of body fat from your stomach and midsection, you have to work consistently and smart (but not necessarily hard). You can't spot-reduce stomach fat either - you need to lower your overall body fat to show off those lean and sculpted abs. This may sound sobering, but actually, it's motivating! It's all about your perspective. Think of exercising as moving to benefit your body, and instead of calling it a diet, call it smart eating. And it's not that hard! Like I said in my easy tips, just be smart about when you eat and work out in the morning. That shouldn't be too hard to do, should it?

It doesn't need to be an ongoing battle when learning how to shed fat easily. Get into good habits, and the habits will end up driving you. You gained weight through bad habits, so now good habits should let you coast into losing weight. If you can become something, you can "unbecome" something. You may have introduced the habit of binge-eating, eating junk food, and if you're not happy with your body, that's why. Learning to how to shed fat easily and keep it off is a process, and you have to take everything one day at a time. And why not start today?

Here are some easy things to get your going:

1. Figure out how many calories you usually eat in a day. To do this, eat as you normally would one day, but this time, count how many calories you take in. Nutritional values of restaurant foods are available online, and if you make your own food, you can add up the value of the ingredients, or see what that particular food's typical calorie content is.

2. Eat 300 fewer calories than your usual amount. Try to make and keep this habit. It shouldn't be hard if you substitute that candy bar for an orange, or eat half of a sandwich with a salad, and eat the rest of the sandwich later. Be creative. Rome wasn't conquered in a day either, so don't try to reduce your calorie intake too much. If you take baby steps, you're more likely to stay focused.

3. Make a list of the healthy foods you like. If that's lean chicken, apples, or certain vegetables, then that's great. Rely on those more often, while phasing out the greasy burgers and fries. Nothing drastic. Maybe start with one less burger a week, and then gradually increase it as you start to see results.

Toning your stomach is a worthwhile journey, which give you unbelievable health benefits. You'll start to have so much more vitality and energy. Just be consistent! It's not that hard. Just be smart about your food, and do what you can every day, and you're on your way!

Advanced Stomach Exercises After Pregnancy

2008-05-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

After you've gained a bit of comfort in doing the beginner stomach exercises after pregnancy, it's time to move into the advanced exercises. This is it! Once you've mastered these exercises, you should be on your way to a trim and toned belly!

Here are the exercises:

1. Front bridges.

Lie down on your stomach. Lift yourself up and balance your weight on your toes as though you are about to do a push-up. Instead of balancing the rest of your weight on your hands as in a push-up, balance the weight on your forearms instead. Your forearms should be pointing forward (in the direction towards your head). Hold this position for however long you can, aiming for 60 seconds. Do two of these.

2. Side bridges.

Lie down on your side. Lift yourself up and balance your weight on your forearm. Your forearm should be on the ground or mat, pointing ahead in the same direction as your nose. Hold this position for 60 seconds, if you can. Repeat for the other side.

3. Toe reaches.

Lie down on your back. Point your legs straight up. With your hands, try reaching your toes, while crunching up your stomach as though you are rolling up a newspaper. Do 3 sets of 10.

4. Crunches.

Lie down on your back with your knees up. Place your hands behind your head, but don't interlace your fingers. Using your stomach muscles, lift your chin towards your knees ONLY to the point you are comfortable. Don't go too far or your back will hurt. Do about 3 sets of 10.

5. Leg stretches.

Lie down on your back, and bring your knees to your chest. Hold one of the legs in the position with your hands behind your knees. Point the other leg upwards. Next, using your stomach muscles, move your chin towards your legs. Do about 2 sets of 15 here.

These exercises should get you on your way to a trim and toned stomach after having a baby. Be patient and consistent, and you will get results. The best thing about these exercises is that they don't take very long at all. But they pay off beautifully!

4 Easy Stomach Exercises After Pregnancy

2008-05-13T01:16:00.000-07:00

Congratulations! Your little one has arrived, and now you have a chance to exercise your stomach a little bit to get it back to prime form! In this article, we discuss some simple stomach exercises after pregnancy to have you looking great in no time!

How soon after pregnancy should you start exercising?

Ultimately, you are the best judge since you know your body best. The general guideline is that you should wait about six weeks after your pregnancy before setting off to tone your stomach. If you had a c-section, wait about eight weeks. As always, please discuss this with your doctor to come up with an optimal timetable.

Pay close attention to the transversus abdominis muscle.

The transversus abdominis (TA) is your most important muscle after pregnancy. It's not visible from outside your body, but provides much-needed stability and helps keeps your midsection shapely. It's the deepest abdominal muscle, and therefore acts as a shell for your internal organs. So take care of it!

And without further ado, here are some easy exercises to get you started on toning that stomach (as always, if you don't feel right while exercising, please stop, and if necessary, seek medical attention):

1. Scissor kicks.

Lie down on the floor. Place your hands under your butt. Raise your right leg up about 10 inches, or as far as you are comfortable and hold for a moment. As you bring your right leg back down, raise your left leg to the same level. Repeat this process about 10 times for one set. Do 3 sets.

2. Crunching the TA (transversus abdominis).

Lie down on the floor with bent knees and feet on the floor. Rest your hands below and off to the sides of your navel. Using each hand, press two of your fingers into the lower part of your stomach. Gently "suck" your lower abdomen in towards the floor, as though your belly button is tied to a string and is being pulled towards the floor. Stay as still as possible - don't move your hips, don't hold your breath, and don't stick your chest out. As soon as your stomach muscles feel tight, stop sucking your stomach in. Don't overdo it - the movement doesn't require too much effort. Hold this position for 10 seconds and repeat the process 10 times.

3. Kegel exercises.

You can do these anywhere, and they're great for strengthening your pelvic floor. Just hold your vaginal muscles in as though you really have to pee but have to hold it in. See if you can work up to contracting the muscles for 10 seconds at a time. Try to do about 30 of these a day for optimal results.

4. Pelvic tilts.

Lie down with your knees up. Slowly lift your pelvis up towards the ceiling, while keeping your upper body on the floor. Hold the position for a second, and then bring your pelvis back to the starting position. Repeat this process about 10-15 times for one set. Do about 3 sets.

So there you go! These are some easy exercises to get you started on toning your stomach after pregnancy. These shouldn't be too hard and should get your abdominals back to normal in no time. Stay tuned for the next article highlighting advanced stomach exercises after pregnancy!

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2008-05-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

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How to Perform Bruce Lee's Abdominal Workout

2008-05-01T00:20:00.000-07:00

Bruce Lee was a fitness legend of our time, and he continually stressed having a strong body to be able to withstand the rigors of martial arts, or ostensibly, any everyday activity. He viewed the abdominal muscles as a "shell" through which to protect the rest of the torso. And it showed - he had one of the most defined physiques ever known.

Lee would insist on using proper form when performing exercises. With respect to sit-ups, he'd said, "The proper way of doing sit-ups isn't just to go up and down, but to curl yourself up; to curl yourself back up, like rolling up a roll of paper." Indeed, form is of paramount importance, and if your form isn't correct, you might as well not be exercising at all.

So without further ado, here is Bruce Lee's Abdominal Workout:

1. Waist twists. 4 sets of 70. Sit upright on a chair with your toes pointed forward. Sit straight up. If you have a broomstick or any other long rod, place it on your shoulders and grab them with your hands. If not, put your hands behind your head and interlace your fingers. Turn your torso to the left slowly. Hold. Return to the middle. And repeat the process by turning to the right. This constitutes one rep.

2. Sit-up twists. 4 sets of 20. Lie down on the floor, with your knees up and toes facing forward. Try to eliminate as much space as possible between your lower back and the floor. Place your hands behind your head, but don't interlace your fingers. Curl up slowly like the aforementioned newspaper as far as you are comfortable. Twist your torso to the left as far as you are comfortable. Slowly return to the starting position. Repeat the process and twist your torso to the right. This constitutes one rep.

3. Leg raises. 4 sets of 20. Lie straight down on the floor, knees down, legs together. Again, eliminate the space between your lower back and the floor. Slowly raise your legs together toward the ceiling. Go up to about 45 degrees, and slowly come back down, but without letting your legs touch the floor again.

4. Leaning twists. 4 sets of 50. Stand straight up, feet shoulder width apart. Take your broom handle and rest it on your shoulders. Grab it with your hands where you are comfortable. Bend your torso forward with your back straight, and twist the broom handle toward the ceiling as far as you can comfortably. Return to the starting position and repeat the process for the other side. This constitutes one rep.

5. Frog kicks. 4 sets of 50. Lie down on the floor and eliminate the gap between your lower back and the floor. Bring your knees up to your chest and thrust your feet out at about a 45 degree angle.

In addition to these abdominal workouts, Bruce Lee rode a stationary bike for 45 minutes a day, as described in my easy tips on toning your stomach.

As always, please use caution when doing these exercises. Do them only to the extent you are comfortable. Do not overdo it. If you feel any pain, lightheadedness, or any adverse reaction to these exercises, please stop immediately.

To close, I leave you with a quote from Bruce Lee himself: "Exercise the abs daily and with patience. Results will soon come."

A List of Foods That Help You Burn Stomach Fat

2008-04-29T02:49:00.000-07:00

In the previous article, I've gone over the general food groups that are the best for shedding stomach fat. In this article, we go over the specific foods that will help you to tone your stomach. All these foods are part of the general food groups that I've discussed. Here's the list:

1. Eggs. Previously thought to be too high in cholesterol to be healthy, studies now show that dietary cholesterol has a very negligible effect on blood cholesterol. Fat is the main villain. So go ahead and eat those eggs. They're high in protein and Vitamin B12!

2. Milk and yogurt. As discussed in the previous article, dairy products are very helpful for shedding fat.

3. Beans. The musical fruit. Beans are very high in protein, but avoid refried beans and the like.

4. Salmon and tuna. Fish is a great source of lean protein, and are packed with Omega 3 fatty acids, which are very good for you.

5. Lean cuts of meat. High in protein, and very good for building muscle.

6. Citrus fruits. These fruits have fat burning properties and are high in Vitamin C.

7. Oatmeal. Contains a high amount of dietary fiber, which can lower your cholesterol.

8. Asparagus. Helps reduce fat levels by neutralizing an acid that bonds fat to cells.

9. Olive oil. High in monounsaturated fat, which is considered to be the "good" fat.

10. Beets. Contains nutrients that help take out excess fat.

11. Brussels sprouts. Helps clean out cells, which helps flush fat out.

12. Cabbage and lettuce. Specifically helps shed stomach fat.

13. Carrots. Speeds metabolism.

14. Celery. Stimulates hormones to burn excess fat. High in calcium.

15. Cucumbers. Knocks fat away from cells.

16. Garlic and onions. Breaks down excess fat in your body.

17. Radish and horseradish. Specifically helps melt fat down.

18. Tomatoes. High in Vitamin C.

So there you have it. Lots of choices! These foods have cleansing abilities which can wash excess fat out of your body, or dissolve fat altogether. So it would definitely be smart to load up on these foods and watch your stomach fat disappear!

Foods That Help Burn Stomach Fat Fast!

2008-04-22T00:05:00.000-07:00

While the right exercises will certainly help you tone your stomach and shed fat, it is said that great abs are built in the kitchen. Indeed, a good diet is at least as important as regular exercise. There are foods out there that are amazing for fat loss, which will get you toned up in no time.

So what type of foods you ask? A few examples include:

1. Foods high in protein. The body burns more calories breaking down protein than it does for fat and carbohydrates. The more calories are burned, the leaner you become. Proteins will put your metabolism to work, causing it to burn fat more efficiently than ever before.

2. Dairy products low in fat. Studies have shown that people regularly drinking skim milk or eating low fat yogurt lost 65 percent more fat than people who did not! Plus they're great for bones, so it is definitely smart to include dairy products into your diet.

3. Whole grains. No, contrary to what you hear, not all carbs are bad. Your body needs them for energy. However, processed carbs can be bad for you, because artificial processes take away the necessary dietary fiber and other vital nutrients. This leaves the carb item with a high starch content, which helps pack on fat. Processed carbs include white rice, white bread, and pasta. Try to stay away from these, and substitute them with brown rice and whole grain bread. The high dietary fiber in whole grains helps break food down better, helping your metabolism burn more fat.

4. Foods high in Vitamin C. This includes fruits (which are a great breakfast substitute for a bagel or cereal). This is because the sugars are burned quickly to give your metabolism a boost. Go easy on the fruit juices though, since they can include refined sugar, which can hurt your metabolism.

These are just a few of the general food types that are great for burning fat and toning your stomach. We're just scratching the surface here! I'll be posting a huge list of specific foods that will incinerate fat faster than you can say "six pack"! Stay tuned...

The Unknown Dangers of Fat around Your Stomach

2008-04-21T01:13:00.000-07:00

It's pretty well known that stomach fat is unattractive. With it, you can't wear certain clothes, and it negatively affects your stamina and energy. Very detrimental to your quality of life. But were you aware that stomach fat is actually a very real danger? Enough so to threaten your life?

The hazards of abdominal fat include a higher incidence of:

1. Heart attacks and strokes. The leading cause of death in the United States is indeed heart disease.

2. Diabetes.

3. Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease in old age.

4. Cancer.

These ailments are very serious. But why does stomach fat cause these issues? University studies have been conducted to this end.

The studies conclude:

1. Fat cells in the stomach secrete a substantial amount of fatty acids. The higher incidence of fat cells, the more fatty acids are secreted. If the secreted amount becomes too great, a person's insulin metabolism and blood glucose (sugar) levels are affected, increasing his/her likelihood for diabetes.

2. Insulin sensitivity drops. Insulin is employed by the body to burn energy. If it becomes less potent as a result of stomach fat, more insulin is used to compensate for the lack of potency. As more insulin is brought in, the normal levels are further affected. The sugar content in the blood increases, which starts to attack your arteries, nerves, and brain cells. And if that's not terrible enough, this will lead to type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Of course, these symptoms eventually lead to heart disease.

Are you at risk?

It's rather simple to find out. Take a tape measure and measure around the top of your hip bone. Depending on your BMI, if you are a man, below 39 inches in circumference is considered safe. For women, under 34 inches is relatively acceptable. Measurements above this poses a risk.

If you're at risk, what should you do?

Please see your doctor to assess your susceptibility for the diseases mentioned above. Please also see the simple tips on how to tone your stomach. The tips are unbelievably easy to use, so there is no excuse not to! You can also employ the advanced tips if the simple ones are too easy for you.

If you employ these simple ideas, you will be able to evade the dangers of fat around your stomach and come away with a trim and healthy physique. There is absolutely nothing to lose and a healthy lifestyle to gain.

1999-03-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

1. 4 Simple Ideas on How to Tone Your Stomach in No Time!

2. Advanced Tips on Toning Your Stomach

3. The Unknown Dangers of Fat Around Your Stomach

4. Foods That Help Burn Stomach Fat Fast!

5. A List of Foods That Help You Burn Stomach Fat

6. Ho w to Perform Bruce Lee's Abdominal Workout

7. Privacy Policy for Tone That Stomach!

8. 4 Easy Stomach Exercises After Pregnancy

9. Advan c ed Stomach Exercises After Pregnancy

10. Hidd en Tips for Shedding Fat

11. Some Things You Might Not Know about Toning Your Stomach

12. 6 Enjoyable Ideas for Toning Your Stomach

13. 4 Secret Methods on Optimizing Your Fat Loss

14. The Top 4 Myths About Toning Your Stomach

*Before partaking in any exercise or diet, please consult with your doctor. All exercises and diets are at your own risk - Tone That Stomach does not assume any responsibility for any injury or deleterious health effects suffered.