How do you get abs for women?
August 15th, 2010 | 
Author: I know that in order to get abs, you must remove the fat layer hanging over your hidden 6-pack. I was wondering if I should start doing abs in addition to my regular cardio routine and diet (Weight Watchers!) or should I wait until the fat from my stomach mysteriously melts away? If so, what can I do to reduce my bulging belly?
Thanks.
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you have to melt away the fat first before you start. Eat less to reduce.
Ab exercises won’t necessarily reduce fat over the abs. We can’t spot reduce fat from different areas of the body with specific exercises, although that doesn’t mean you can’t lose fat from the abdominal area. That can happen if you reduce your overall body fat, although your genes will determine where the fat comes off. The following steps will help you get started:
1.) Regular cardio exercise, do 30 minutes to one hour (preferably) a day of an aerobic exercise to get your heart rate up, so your body can burn fat.
2.) Strength training for your entire body 1-3 non-consecutive days a week. Try reading, “Total Body Strength for Beginners” at: http://exercise.about.com/cs/exbeginners/l/blbegstrength.htm
3.) A healthy low-calorie diet. This is a very critical part of your program. To make it work you really should:
A. Keep a food log in which you write down everything you eat or drink.
B. Use a food calculator to determine about how many calories you eat each day.
4.) Begin changing bad habits by replacing them, one by one, with healthier choices (fruits and veggies will fill you up and give you nutrients and fiber).
5.) Keep an eye on your portion sizes.
6.) Make small changes every day instead of changing everything at once.
In addition to 60 minutes of cardio a day (Walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, or jumping rope are great!) I do ab circuits multiple times daily.
*100 crunches
*50 bicycle crunches
*25 leg lifts
*balance your weight on your right elbow (20 seconds)
*balance your weight on your left elbow (20 seconds)
*20 push-ups
Tip: always keep your abs tight (even when sitting or walking)
Diet: eat foods low in sodium to counteract bloating of the stomach; eat healthy food all around
For arms, legs, etc. I use resistance bands, weights, and do squats and lunges (50 lunges at a time and 25 squats at a time).
Small changes are a key to starting a healthier lifestyle
*Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
*Walk up the escalator if there aren’t stairs.
*During a break from work, just go outside and walk (you’ll be more inspired to keep at it if it’s outside on a pretty day) or do a few squats.
*Start small: Do a few crunches/ push-ups each day, and steadily increase the number.
*Even though your schedule is busy, try to fit in at least 30 minutes of walking or some other cardio. (jogging, swimming, jumping rope)
*Turn on some upbeat music and just dance… At home, this isn’t embarrassing or anything. Just relax and dance; it’s really fun!
*Throw out all the junk food in your house, and don’t let yourself buy any… When you’re tempted to buy/eat junk food, picture yourself as gorgeous and thin… that’ll keep your focus on the goal.
*Switch to whole grain foods; they are much healthier.
*Choose healthier snacks… We’re always tempted by sugary and high calorie snacks like we find in vending machines. Instead pack an apple, a rice cake (they are REALLY good), or a nutrition bar.
*Add more servings of fruits and vegetables; it’s tough, but they are healthy and can fill you up faster.
*When fixing a meal, prepare everything then put up the bags, boxes, etc. so you won’t be tempted by seconds.
*Brush your teeth right before and after a meal. It will curb your appetite.
*Eat slowly and take smaller bites because the "I’m full" hormones will be signalled better.