One of the most common aesthetic goals people have is a toned midsection. Whether it be a killer six-pack, or just a toned tummy, the goal is the same. Getting a flat tummy requires a two-pronged approach:
1. Eating appropriately for leanness
2. Resistance Training.
The first principle is probably the more important of the two. Diet and nutrition are the vehicles by which one arrives at the leanness required to have a visibly flat midsection. No amount of sit-ups will ever reduce stomach fat. It requires dietary discipline. If you have fat to lose, you are going to have to fuel your body accordingly if you ever want to see those abs. Going into a caloric deficit, a strategic reduction in dietary intake with the goal of fat loss in mind is the best place to start. Fad diets promising you the body of your dreams all revolve around the basic tenant of eating less. If you want to take a particular dietary approach, like paleo, go ahead, but I find tracking your calories for a short amount of time is a great way to ensure you aren’t overeating. Learning how to fit the foods you already enjoy into a predominantly healthy diet is a very easy to stick to approach to dieting for many. Making rapid shifts in the diet can create additional stress and issues that might actually slow down your results. Gradually one can work their way to a very intuitive approach to dieting as they learn more and more about food and their body. There is a plethora of information on specific diets and fat loss here at mind pump, so please check out our other blogs to learn more.
Working out is a good diets best friend. While working out alone cannot offset a bad diet, when performed in conjunction with a proper nutrition, exercise can actually speed up fat loss. Contrary to popular belief, copious amounts of cardio isn’t the best option when choosing an exercise modality – resistance training is. Lifting weights and focusing on compound movements that use multiple muscles stimulates a cascade of positive benefits that aid in the development of a great midsection. Lifting weights will increase fat metabolism around the clock, boosts vital hormones, and increases energy throughout the day. You don’t even have to lift every day, a routine that gets you to the gym just three times per week is often optimal for many looking to lose fat.
A flat tummy isn’t far around the corner if you employ a strategic approach to dieting and a properly programmed resistance training routine. Products like our nutrition guide and MAPS fitness programs are the perfect place to start when looking to accelerate your journey to that midsection you have always wanted.
