Get a Flat Tummy

The conventional floor crunch remains the gold standard of abdominal exercises. Although some exercises — with or without specially designed equipment — offer more benefit than standard crunches, this basic exercise is hard to beat in terms of ease and simplicity. However, if you decide to use specialized ab exercisers, be warned: Not all of them deliver the promised benefits.

If you work in an office, you are probably faced with constant temptation to cheat on your diet. Well-meaning co-workers bring in donuts, cupcakes, and cookies. There may even be a weekly lunch where everyone chips in for pizza. If you are trying to lose weight or just stick to a healthy diet, it can sometimes be hard to refuse these fattening treats. Here are just a few ways to beat temptation.

Joseph Pilates is the originator of the exercise moves that bear his name. Since their origin just after World War I, the core-based Pilates has become known for working the abdominal muscles. Many ab exercisers are based on the Pilates principles. Before spending money on any of these, check with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough for this type of workout.

Cords are made of durable rubber and they are more commonly known as resistance bands or resistance tubing. The color of the cord shows how much resistance it offers. The darker colors have greater resistance than lighter colors. Ab exercises with cords can be done with your body in a variety of positions. Because your abs are strong muscles, you can get away with using moderate to heavy resistance. Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

You can get rid of belly fat and tighten your abs with the right mix of exercises. But traditional crunches are not enough. Flattening your abs requires working the area from all angles of the muscle. Performing exercises to develop the muscles in your abs and core will give your stomach a toned and tight appearance.