Desperately seeking a flat tummy? A number of people have some preoccupation about their physical structure – some time or the other, all of us – men, women, young or old, have secretly or openly sought washboard abs. The goal of training for the majority is to get into better shape.
It is commonly believed that ‘working on the stomach’ will generate loss in inches and a shapelier torso. It is also assumed that variations in exercise is the best way to fade away the burgeoning mid-section. Alas, nothing could be farther from the truth!
Let’s look at some facts. The belly not only houses the maximum number of fat cells, but also those cells that are highly receptive to storing fat. How much adipose tissue (body fat) you carry does have a genetic link; but most people are commonly fat around their belly due to their food choices.
In a bid to reducing body fat (and hence inches), people turn to crunches and twists in the gym/home. The abs are assaulted by numbers ranging from 50 to 100 in multiple sets. What the person does get back is greater endurance and better strength, but not the desired dream-waistline. In frustration and confusion, the individual pins his hopes on variations in exercise.
Let’s get this right once and for all – To reduce the paunch, you need to take a hard-nosed/uncompromising look at your nutrition, at what you are eating. Contrary to popular belief, it is carbohydrates and not dietary fat that is easily converted to body fat; and it nestles on your waist, creating the spare tyre! Refined carbohydrates are not only bad for your health but are also most responsible for fat gain.
Your eating plan needs to be customized to you. Better late than never – have your meals crafted by a qualified nutritionist. A tailor made nutrition plan is mindful of your activity level, food preferences, allergies and so on. And once you do that, see those inches go ‘ABS’conding and marvel your ‘ABS’olutely flat stomach!

 

LATA RAJAN

Sr. Faculty & Sr. Fitness Counsellor