Ways to Flatten Your Stomach

by John Zaremba

Overview

People often look to the stomach when sizing someone up; though it is not the best indicator of someone's fitness, it is the most obvious visual clue as to whether the person is in shape. A flat stomach is a sign of a well-kept body. It can make you look younger and more attractive, and improve your perception of and respect for yourself. Developing a flat, tight stomach can be difficult, especially for those who are used to unhealthy foods or sedentary lifestyles. But it can be done.
Get Strong

Flat stomachs are lean and toned, and building muscle in the abdominal region can help achieve both those characteristics. Abdominal muscles are built through constant use, or exercise such as sit-ups and crunches. (It is helpful to perform series of exercises that isolate the lower abdominal muscles from the upper abdominal muscles. This will cause even muscle development.) Many fitness programs are tailored specifically to the development of the abdomen; they include core-strengthening exercises such as Pilates, which carry the added benefit of improving posture and overall body performance. If you plan to exercise, consult a personal trainer to ensure you are getting the best results for your time and effort. For example, many people feel that rapid-fire crunches are an ideal abdominal exercise, but science has shown that slower, controlled motions require better form and more strength, and are therefore more effective in developing muscle.

Eat Smart

Flat stomachs are free of excess fat, so it's no coincidence that they belong to people who eat healthy diets. This means limiting sugars, carbohydrates and unhealthy fats that your body has difficulty breaking down (trans fats especially). Portion control is also essential; the stomach expands when it is too full, so it is important to know the difference between "enough" and "too much." Overeating causes the stomach to expand and leads to more overeating (and a rounder stomach.)
Be Patient

Achieving fitness is a gradual procedure; despite what certain advertisements might tell you, nothing can transform an out-of-shape body into an athletic one in a short amount of time. Flattening the stomach requires dedication and discipline, but once you achieve the results you desire, it will have been that much more worth the struggle.