Find out the Truth about Abs

The most common request I get from clients is to reduce their waist size. If this is achieved, good word of mouth becomes the best marketing method I have. Therefore, I've devoted much of my time into unveiling the secrets of developing a visible set of great abs. And this is the key, visibility. No number of core exercises will give you a slimmer waistline if you are carrying too much dead weight i.e. body fat.

For example, sit ups will only serve to tone and strengthen the muscles of your rectus abdominus, otherwise known as "The Six Pack". However, performing hundreds of sit ups will do nothing to reduce the body fat around your midline. After all, spot reduction simply isn't possible.

The only way to get a slimmer, firmer waist is to cut your overall body fat, and the only way to this is to burn more calories than you consume.

Once your body fat has come down sufficiently, you will then see the reward of all those abdominal exercises. However, don't just focus on the muscles on the front of your stomach as this may induce kyphosis (a hunched, rounded posture). Aim to include a variety of exercises that will target your other core muscles, such as torso twists for your obliques and dorsal raises for your lower back.

And one last thing to bear in mind; your core muscles are no different to any other muscle group, so give them at least 24 hours rest  to help them fully repair and recover.

TIP: There is a way to 'cheat' getting a slimmer waist in the short term, by activating your Transversus Abdominus (TVA). The TVA acts like a corset for all your other core muscles, and the stronger it is, the tighter your abs will become, which in turn will flatten the outline of your stomach. Unfortunately though, it won't reduce body fat. To activate your TVA simply pull your belly button in and up towards your spine for small periods of time. Yoga disciples call this 'zipping up'. Whilst being zipped up, relax your other muscles and talk and breathe in a normal manner. As your TVA becomes stronger, you'll be able to hold this position for longer until eventually you get to the stage where it's "turned on" all the time.

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