The Beginner’s Guide To Having Flat Abs

By today’s standards, a tight core is the centerpiece for any muscular physique — for men and women alike. Flat abs are not just sexy, they’re a sign of your health and strength too. No wonder why it is one of the most eye-catching features of your body.

Although tight, strong abs are what most people work hard at the gym for, not everyone will get to see the results they want — especially beginners. If you are a beginner who is looking for the best program that can help you achieve washboard abs, then follow this guide and you will have one in no time.

1. Be consistent in doing cardiovascular exercises.

Cardiovascular ExercisesCardio exercises have numerous benefits, and one of them is weight loss. You may wonder why you have to lose weight when all you want is flat abs. The truth is that it doesn’t matter how hard you work your core, you’ll never get a chance to see it flat and fabulous if there’s a layer of fat covering it.

To make flat abs visible, you need to get rid of fat in the belly. However, since it’s not possible to force your body to lose fat in just one particular area, you need to burn fat from all over the body, and the best way to do this is to perform cardio exercises.

A 30-minute jog or 20-minute run on the treadmill 3-4 times a week should be sufficient to lose belly fat and keep it off.

2. Be mindful of your eating habits.

To prep your body for killer abs, you need to watch what and how much food you eat. Refrain from eating junk foods and start adding fruits and green vegetables to your meals instead. If switching drastically seems pretty hard to do, you can enjoy a burger or a Coke float now and then but consume only half of what you normally do, or share them with a friend.

Cutting calorie intake in half will help stave off belly fat, thus giving your sculpted abs a chance to become visible.

3. Perform ab workouts.

There are countless of ab workouts you can do, but as a beginner, you can start doing crunches or sit ups. As soon as you become too familiar with these exercises, you can switch to other routines that work different muscles in your abdominal area.

To get the most out of abdominal exercises, you can wear an ab toning belt while doing them.

A key note to remember when it comes to getting toned, well-sculpted abs: One of the main reasons why a lot of people just cannot achieve washboard abs is that they give up too easily. As a beginner, some of these ab exercises may prove to be tough to perform, but they will get easier in time.

Do not stick to one program though. It is always best to vary your exercise routine to keep your ab muscles guessing and, more importantly, working.

4 Easy Ways To Have a Flatter Stomach

A bulging stomach is not just unpleasing to the eye, it poses a risk to one’s health, too. Whatever our personal reason is in losing unattractive rolls of belly fat – whether just to fit nicely into a fitted shirt or to keep the risks of life-threatening health diseases at bay – we soon realize that a flat stomach does not come easy.

It is something to work really hard for. Years of eating unhealthy food and lack of exercise have taken their toll on our body, and everyday that we postpone that much-needed change towards a better and healthier lifestyle, we only make it harder for our bodies to lose excess pounds.

Sure, there are already lots of products in the market that promise a flat stomach without the need to work your butt off at the gym. While there are products that do show great results after consistent use, most are not safe, show little to no results, and most of all, expensive.

Unless you want to experience the nasty side effects of slimming pills or can afford to undergo a liposuction, you’d want to take the traditional yet still extremely effective route to having a flatter stomach.

When it comes to losing belly fat and keep it off, nothing can beat healthy eating habits and adequate sleep, and daily exercise. Hearing the words diet and exercise may sound intimidating enough to make you want to run to the nearest drugstore or plastic surgeon.

Contrary to what many people believe, getting a flatter stomach is really not all that hard. Just make sure you follow these tips:

1. Do not starve yourself.

Many people associate dieting with starving oneself. They couldn’t be more wrong. The more they starve themselves, the lower their metabolism becomes and the slower they will lose unwanted weight.

Eating six times during the day is what fitness experts advise. This way, you up your metabolism and you prevent the surging of hunger pangs, which can cause you to overeat.

2. Eat high-protein, fiber-rich, and low-carb foods.

Studies show that foods rich in protein and fiber take longer for the stomach to process, thus making you feel full for longer periods during the day. Make sure to include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, and beans in your daily diet.

Although carbohydrates remain to be an essential part of our diet in order for our body to have enough energy to last throughout the day,  consuming too much of it will result in belly fats. Therefore, you should stick to low-carb foods if you want to have a flatter stomach.

3. Get enough sleep.

The keyword here is enough. This means that you get not too little nor too much sleep each night. If your body does not get enough rest – as in less than 5 hours of sleep – it will produce hormones that can cause you to overeat when awake.

On the other hand, if you sleep more than 7 hours at night, your body will not be able to shed calories you consume due to long periods of inactivity.

See to it that you get 6-7 hours of sleep to avoid the adverse effects of oversleeping or sleep deprivation on your abdominal area.

4. Perform abdominal exercises at home.

You don’t need to have a gym membership just to be able to perform abdominal exercises. You can do them right in your own home. Crunches, Pilates exercises, and sit ups – so long as done with proper breathing techniques – can go a long way.  You can even invest in an ab toning belt to maximize the benefits of these abdominal exercises.

A flatter stomach does not only make you look fit and lean. More importantly, it minimizes, if not eliminate the risk of diabetes and heart-related illnesses.


3 Exercise Equipment That You Can Invest in to Get a Smaller Waist

A small waist is not only a sign of attractiveness in women – it is also a sign of good health. According to research, a slim waist can provide significant health benefits that are not commonly enjoyed by individuals who carry excess fat on their bellies. Not only is stomach fat unpleasant to look at, but it is also known to be potentially dangerous to your health as fat cells stored in this part of the body release harmful chemicals that can mess up the insulin system and increase your risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Keep life threatening diseases at bay by working out your body to get a smaller waist. No doubt, diet plays an important role in having a small waistline. However, when complemented with the right kind of waist exercises that will tone your abdominal area, you will not only feel good, but also look good at the same time.

There are plenty of exercises that you can do to help trim down your waistline. Sit ups, crunches, and Pilates are just some of many activities that are great for working out your core muscles. While you can perform these exercises without the need for specific exercise gears, results from doing them with the right equipment usually come in faster, if not better.

The problem with many exercise equipment, however, is that they are far too expensive for most people to afford. Good thing there are a couple of exercise gears that you can invest in to still get that smaller waist even without going to the gym.

Here are 3 exercise equipment you can afford to help you get a smaller waist:

  • Dumbbells

Dumbbells are the one of the most basic equipment used for weight training. As they’re great for working out just about any part of the body, they come in various weights ranging from 5 lbs up to 150 lbs. When using dumbbells to trim down your waistline, go for the lighter ones (5 – 10 lbs) to avoid straining your back but still have enough resistance to make the exercises more effective.

Side bends, sit ups, seated torso twists, and squat with overhead press are examples of waist exercises you can perform using dumbbell weights.

Watch this video on the correct way of  doing side bends while using dumbbells.

  • Stability Ball

One of the best exercise equipment you can use to get a smaller waist is the stability ball. Although it can be used while doing activities to help tone other parts of the body, the exercise ball, as it is oftentimes called, is designed to target abdominal muscles. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to make any exercise more challenging since it requires an individual to engage many more muscles in an effort to remain balanced while on the ball.

Constant and proper use of stability balls will not only result in a smaller waist, but in overall body weight loss as well. The more muscles you work, the firmer your body will become. A firm body will shed excess pounds faster and more effectively.

  • Ab Toning Belt

An ab toning belt is perfect for those who can’t go out to the gym regularly. When you find yourself too tired to tied up with work and other activities to work out, strap an ab belt around your waist. It may not give you a complete body work out, but it is enough to stimulate core abdominal muscles to make your waist slimmer and firmer.

You can wear an ab toning belt while cooking, cleaning your home, at the office, and even while working out.


Comparing The Flex Belt Versus The Slendertone System Abs Belt

The Slendertone System Abs BeltElectronic Muscle Stimulation technology (EMS) is the latest wave of the future in muscle creation. Belts using this technology assist users in enhancing muscle tone. People who want flatter abs and six packs can use abdominal belts to achieve the figure they want. Two of the best products on the market today are the Slendertone System Abs and the Flex Belt. Both abdominal toning belts are cleared by the Food and Drug administration as safe for consumers use.

How They Work

Both belts use EMS technology to alternate muscle contraction and relaxation in the abdominals. By activating these muscles, they increase core stability and strengthen the abs. A convenient side effect is the extra spinal support it provides. Safe and effective, the process gives individuals a chance to get the abs they want as they go about their daily activities.

The Slendertone System Abs

According to a six week clinical study, 100% of users reported results by the end of the study’s duration while 92.3% felt an increased firmness in their abdominal muscles. The belt can be set tone of seven different toning programs and 99 different intensity levels. This portable and easy to use product comes with a rechargeable controller and a two year warranty. Each box contains one set of medical grade gel pads and a personal travel pouch.

The Flex Belt

Flex BeltA better product is offered with the Flex Belt. It has a total of 150 intensity levels (50 more then Slendertone) and ten different workout programs (3 more then Slendertone).  With the increased intensity levels The Flex Belt is fifty percent stronger than the Slendertone System Abs. This means you can continue to use the belt for a longer period of time to improve your abdominal strength.

The Flex Belt comes with a sixty day money back guarantee and users are given 30 days of free access to their online meal planning software.. Like the Slendertone System Abs, the Flex Belt is rechargeable. For people on the go, not having to stop and buy an endless stream of batteries is a plus.

In effect, The Flex Belt is a beefed up version of the Slendertone System Abs. Although Slendertone actually manufactures the Flex Belt, it does not sell it through their official websites. Consumers can only purchase the Flex Belt through the Flex Belts official website.

Comparison

Both products offer exceptional value for the money and come with a sixty day money back guarantee. At a price tag of $199, the Flex Belt costs $50 more, but for the money you get an extra three programs and fifty intensity levels. Also included with every Flex Belt purchase is a years free subscription to one of three different health & beauty magazines as well as 30 days access to their meal planning software.

If you’re still not set on paying the additional $50 for the Flex Belt we have access to some exclusive Flex Belt coupon codes that will bring the cost of The Flex Belt even closer to that of the System Abs Belt. Choose either from a 10% off coupon code with free shipping or a flat $25 off your purchase.

Who should invest in an Ab Belt?

The Ab belt is an ideal tool for individuals who desire to improve the definition in their core area. It helps one target and tighten core muscles. Wearing the ab belt helps in toning, firming and strengthening the core region of the abdominal area.

The ab belt is ideal for those with abdominal areas resistant to traditional workouts. People may devote a generous amount of time to improving their core definition only to find that their stomach area is resistant to exercise. The ab belt may compliment any existing workout efforts aimed at targeting the core muscles.

The ab belt is well-suited for individuals new to a workout routine. A person new to working out may not have yet developed the proper form required to get the best results from stomach exercises. The ab belt is helpful in that an individual can achieve comparable results to those who have mastered the form required.

New mothers struggling to shed the extra pounds in their stomach area may also benefit from an ab belt. Because women are more likely to carry the weight permanently for an extended amount of time after delivery, immediate steps must be taken to address stomach issues. In addition to working out and dieting, the ab belt may provide an added level of support. Be sure to check with your doctor before using an ab belt if you’ve recently given birth.

People who are struggling with back pain issues may find that strengthening the core muscles can be helpful. Some are able to see noticeable improvement in back pain once they develop stronger core muscles. An ab belt helps accelerate the muscle toning process and when coupled with other targeted exercises, it can yield the desired results.

People who should invest in an ab belt include those whose workout efforts haven’t produced the desired results or are reintroducing a workout routine to their fitness plan.

Comparing The Flex Belt Vs The Contour Abs Belt

Flex BeltThe Contour Abs Belt has been around for several years. The Flex Belt has been the main competition. Both belts work by stimulating the contractions of abdominal muscles by issuing electric shocks to the abdomen. Therefore, the muscles will become toned and stronger. We will compare the Contours Abs belt to the Flex Belt. Both of these abs belts have strong points that make them ideal for working the abdominal muscles. However, there is a clear winner after comparing all the features that both belts carry.

The Fit and Usability

The Flex Ab Belt is the smaller and neater option. It fits real snugly around the abdomen giving a comfortable wear. It can also be worn under the clothes discreetly. The Contour Abs Belt is a bit bulkier. It is not possible to wear it under the clothes without detection. The accompanying remote is also too large compared to the remote control of the Flex belt. The remote of the Flex belt can be worn on the belt discreetly. This belt also sports a travel pouch and weighs less than one pound. The Contour Abs Belt is also portable but a little bit more obvious.

Both belts can be used while talking on the phone, watching TV, doing homework and walking. They can be used in almost any casual situation. It is also not necessary to partake in exercise activities while wearing the belts. The abdominal muscles are easily toned by the belts and do not require any other physical activity. The cost of the Flex Abs Belt is $199 along with a $12.95 cost for shipping and handling. The Contour Abs Belt cost $199.80 along with a $14.95 trial cost.

NOTE: We have posted some exclusive Flex Belt Coupon Codes that reduce the price of their belt by 10% or $25. This makes the price difference between the belts negligible.

FDA Clearance and Trials

The Flex Belt has been cleared by the FDA. It is the first Abs Belt of its kind to meet the approval standards set by the FDA. There is no information regarding the Contour Abs Belt found in the FDA database. There are multiple clinical trials that test the effectiveness of the Flex Ab Belt. There was a 6 week clinical trial which resulted in 100% of the participants reporting that their abs felt toned and firm. In another 8 week trial, participants reported that they received an increase of 72% in abdominal endurance. Participants also reported a 42% increase in abdominal strength. The Contour Abs Belt has no published third party clinical trials.

The Contour Abs SystemBatteries

The Contour Abs Belt does require the use of 4 AAA batteries. The Flex Belt does not require the use of batteries and is easily rechargeable. The abs belt with a comprehensive power supply is the better option. The electrical convulsions experienced by the Contour Abs belt are a bit more jarring and harsh. The Flex Abs Belt on the other hand delivers smoother electrical convulsions.

Intensity Levels

The Flex belt also comes with 150 levels of intensity. This is basically the level of current intensity that is applied to the abdominal muscles. Higher levels of intensity will result in greater abdominal contractions and workout. This system also boosts 10 training programs. This program basically sets the intermittent function of the electrical pulses. The Contour Abs Belt on the other hand has 100 levels of intensity. Both systems require gel pads to deliver the electrical impulse to the abdominal area.

Guarantee and Warranty

Satisfaction is guaranteed for 60 days after the purchase of a Flex Belt. This option also includes the ability to get a full refund. The satisfaction guarantee period for the Contour Abs Belt is only 30 days. The product warranty offered by Flex Belt is a full 2 year period. The Contour Abs Belt also offers a 2 year warranty with the purchase of a single instalment plan.

Do Ab Belts Work for Weight Loss?

are ab belts for weight loss?Men and women looking to lose weight and define their abdominal muscles should absolutely use an ab belt, specifically an Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) abdominal belt such as the Flex Belt.  Abdominal belts are also perfect for keeping already tone abdominal muscles firm and tight when you do not have a chance to get in a workout.

Cleared by the FDA for safety, abdominal belts have unfortunately suffered the stigma of being sold via info-commercials late at night, but that does not disqualify these products from actually working.

The way ab belts work is by sending a gentle electrical charge to the nerves in your muscles, causing the muscles to contract repeatedly. Continued use of an abdominal belt can lead to toner more defined abdominal muscles within six weeks.

The problem most people who say that ab belts are useless run into, is that they have an impenetrable layer of fat between their nerve endings and the EMS abdominal belt around their waist.

The fat dissipates the gentle electric charge redirecting the energy away from the nerve endings in the muscles causing less contraction. People looking to lose weight and who are already overweight will find ab belts to be less than satisfactory until they shed a certain amount of weight first.

But if you use abdominal belts in conjunction with a regular exercise routine while maintaining a healthy diet, there are plenty of clinical studies that show ab belts can help you further define your abdominal muscles.

Another problem skeptics of abdominal belts have is that they believe it’s a weight burning device, which it is not. This does not mean ab belts are useless for people trying to lose weight. As you shed the pounds from walking, running, or working out while maintaining a healthy diet, nightly use of an abdominal belt can help define your emerging abdominal muscles.

Some people who have lost a lot of weight are discouraged when they do not have an instant six pack once they slim down. Using an ab belt, such as The Flex Belt, is perfect for further toning and defining your abdominal region, helping you achieve the look you worked so hard to show off. Using an abdominal belt can also help you maintain the achievements working out and eating right have earned you.

Nothing is more discouraging than working hard to get a tone flat stomach only to have life get in the way and keep you from your workouts. Using ab belts while working or doing simple chores around the house can help maintain your abdominal muscles or further define them.

Of course this is not to suggest that all is lost for abdominal belts. When used as part of a healhty lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a healthy diet that matches your bodies daily caloric needs can produce a flatter stomach and stronger abs.

We suggest checking out The Flex Belt system if you’re interested in trying an ab belt.

Ab Belt + Healthy Diet = Winning Combination

The Ab Belt is a powerful way to help build the six-pack abs you crave. But it wasn’t designed to work alone. You can have the most amazing abs in the world, but they will be invisible if they’re covered by a thick layer of fat. That’s why it’s so important that you combine the Ab Belt with a healthy diet that encourages you to lose fat around your belly.

The Importance of Fiber

Adequate fiber is lacking in the diet of the average person. Fiber helps you by improving your digestion, adding roughage to your digested meal, which helps it move along through your digestive tract and out of your system.

Fiber is especially important when you are trying to lose weight. Fiber can be hard for your stomach to digest, which is a good thing. Your body will expend extra energy breaking down the fiber, resulting in weight loss. Fiber also helps you feel full longer, so you are less likely to overeat.

Some good foods that will help you get the fiber you need are: nuts, whole grain bread, whole oranges, apples, and lettuce. Be sure to incorporate some of these foods that are rich in fiber to see the fat melt off your belly.

Limit Carbohydrates

Carbs can trigger your body’s insulin response. Eating sugary foods like donuts, chips, and pastries can lead to a spike in your blood sugar. Your body prefers to maintain a certain level of sugar in the blood. When too much sugar is present in your bloodstream, your pancreas secretes insulin. This tells the body to remove the excess sugar in your blood and store it as fat. That’s why you should be careful with soda and foods laden with sugar.

Try cutting back on carbs and increasing your protein intake. Protein will be needed as your body builds muscle in your abs. Protein also takes longer to digest, burning more calories and helping you feel full longer.

Eat Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Eating lots of fresh fruit and veggies ensures that you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to provide energy for your workouts and burn fat. All the exercise in the world won’t help if you aren’t getting proper nutritional support.

Do Ab Belts Really Work and Produce Results?

You may have seen some late night TV commercials for ab belts, and started to wonder if they actually work. Yes, they do work. In fact, electronic muscle stimulation has been used by physical therapists for years to help rebuild muscle. It has been scientifically proven that ab belts will stimulate the abdominal muscles by running a special kind of electronic current through them. This causes the muscles to contract, as if you were flexing them. This will help muscles become firmer, more developed, and more toned.

What Exactly Will Ab Belts Do?

If you start using an ab belt, you will begin to notice that your abdominal muscles are stronger, more visible, and easier to work out. This is due to the ab belt stimulating them. Wearing an ab belt can make it as if you are flexing your abdominal muscles hundreds of times a day. Of course this will make them start to feel more firm. In one study done on the effectiveness of ab belts, after using an ab belt for six weeks, one hundred percent of participants claimed they felt more toned, and ninety-two percent of participants said they felt an increased firmness in their abdominal area.

What Ab Belts Won’t Do

Ab belts will not help you lose weight. Even though they help your muscles become more toned, they will not get rid of any fat in your abdominal area. If you want to lose weight, make sure you exercise and keep a healthy diet. Using an ab belt while trying to lose weight will help prepare your abs to look good after you have lost the weight, but you will need to take other steps to actually lose the weight.

How to Achieve Results

In order the achieve results from your ab belt, you must use it consistently. The more you use your ab belt, the better your results will be. This means that you should use your ab belt at least four to five times a week. Optimally, you should use your ab belt every day. By using your ab belt a minimum of four to five times a week, you should begin seeing results after three weeks. However, you will not see instant six-pack abs. Getting six-pack abs may take a few months of consistently using your ab belt.

Ab Belts and Abdominal Exercises

It is very important to note that ab belts are not a replacement for abdominal exercises. Ab belts should be used in addition to your abdominal exercises. Ab belts well help increase the impact that your abdominal exercise has, but cannot and should not be considered a substitute for exercising. The ab belt helps tone and strengthen muscle, but it does not build muscle. You need to keep performing abdominal exercises in order to keep building muscle. The ab belt is a great supplement to an already established exercise program, not a miracle belt that works wonders regardless of diet and exercise.

How to Achieve Optimal Results When Using an Ab Belt

get the most from an ab beltAb Belts can train your abdominal muscles ,making crunches and situps a thing of the past. In conjunction with proper nutrition and physical activity, an Ab Belt can be a highly effective piece of fitness equipment that can yield quicker results of a more toned and tightened mid section than the use of diet and conventional abdominal exercises alone. When incorporating the use of an Ab Belt into your daily routine, there are a few tips to keep in mind in order to achieve maximum benefits and results.

Be Consistent

First and foremost, consistency is key. Failing to wear the belt properly and/or frequently as needed will not allow you to achieve optimal benefits. It is also highly important to adjust the intensity level of the belt to ensure that your abdominal muscles are being challenged correctly. Several ab belt models offer complimentary workout plans that you can follow to maximize the benefits. The Flex Belt comes with a comprehensive manual that contains an entire program extended over the course of several weeks to help guide you through intensity adjustments to ensure that you are getting the most out of your belt.

Not For Weight Loss

It is important to understand that Ab Belts are not weight loss devices and will not magically “melt fat” off of your abdominals. The use of your belt must be accompanied by a proper diet and reduction of your daily caloric intake. “Clean eating” that consists of Fresh produce, slow burning carbohydrates and lean meats should all be staples in your diet in order to increase your metabolism and reduce body fat so that your ab muscles can become more predominant. Processed food high in fat and sugar will not only increase bloat, but will also generate toxic waste in the intestines causing your stomach to protrude even more. It is also important to increase your water intake to assist the body in flushing out excessive stored water weight, as well as reducing your sodium intake.

Cardio Exercise is Key

To speed up results, it is best to engage in a cardiovascular activity to increase your metabolism. The ab belt will tighten and tone your abdominal wall, while cardio exercise will assist in burning fat not only on your midsection, but your entire body. Cardio exercise will also improve your sleep and increase your energy levels. Swimming, jogging, walking and biking are all excellent forms of cardio that can get your heart rate up and help burn off excessive calories. 30 minutes to an hour of cardio exercise, 3 to 5 times a week in combination with your proper diet is sufficient enough to burn off a noticeable amount of fat from your abdominal muscles that you are diligently working to develop through your ab belt.

Ab Belts are undoubtedly revolutionary pieces of fitness equipment that enable you to pursue your fitness goals while carrying on with daily activities from running errands to watching TV. Following these diet and exercise tips and incorporating them into your Ab Belt regimen will melt the inches from your stomach in no time.