When we think of reducing the fat that surrounds our belly region, there are a few things that we need to acknowledge. The first is that there are two different varieties of fat, each with its own set of characteristics and list of health hazards. The next thing is that working on strengthening abdominal muscles does nothing to get rid of that fat. Finally, if we do wish to have a toned stomach, then we need to look deeper at our diet and exercise routine.
Subcutaneous fat is the kind that covers your entire abdominal muscle and gives you that paunch. If you are thinking that this isn’t very healthy, then think again because this is just the “good news” bit of the combination that affects you. When you reach the visceral layer of fat, things start getting serious!
The outer layer merely gives you the beer-belly you hate so much, however it is the inner layer that covers all your vital organs. The threat that it poses to your system is far greater, and far more lethal, than the outer layer’s threat to your physical appearance.
For lower abs workout, most instructors tend to recommend crunches and leg-raises as solutions for these layers of fat. However, what they don’t realise is that these exercises only focus on strengthening the muscle, not on burning the layers of fat. By increasing your knowledge of the human body and its functionality, you can change your exercise routines to match your health needs.
The first bit that helps you reach your goal to getting those toned male and female abs is a thorough full-body workout routine. Understanding the complexity of the human body has enabled us to comprehend the complexity and interconnectivity of each body part to the other. Ensuring that these full-body routines are based around our core, and adding in special movements to put more pressure on our core muscles, guarantees a thorough workout that strengthens our muscles while working away on that layer of fat.
The abdominal muscles are connected to the rest of the body and to burn the fat above & below it, mere cardio and weight training isn’t enough! By ensuring that you have the right amounts of protein, fiber and nutrients running through your body, you guarantee that each time you hit the exercise floor, you will have the energy to burn that fat to bits.
Food will only help your fat-burning process if it is fresh and as close to its natural form as possible. The more processed your food is, the lesser nutrients it contains and the more harm it does to your system. Processed food is filled with all sorts of unnatural and harmful ingredients that are akin to poison for the human body.
That doesn’t mean that you rush out there and get your hands on the first fab-diet you can find. It simply means that if you want that toned stomach, you need to eat healthy food that gives you plenty of energy to last through that high-resistance, low-rep training schedule. Commit yourself to this lifestyle and your perfect abs won’t be too far away.
Leif Oakman is an expert on building a toned stomach. For more great sources on how to tone your stomach check out his site at TonedStomach.org