Exercise Less For A Flat Stomach - Yes You Read Correctly

Panic mode. We have all been there. That dreaded feeling when your summer vacation creeps up on you and the closest thing you have to your dream body is an inspirational photo stuck to your fridge. So what do you do? You hit the gym twice a day for the next month. However, your overenthusiasm may be preventing you from getting that six pack and here is why. 

 -  Spot training is not the answer: While crunches will get you closer to that six-pack you desire, doing more than 100 crunches a day is not recommended. Overuse of muscles doesn’t allow them to recover which prevents their growth. Furthermore, exercises such as crunches involve little cardio so will not burn stubborn fat around your midsection. While a thousand crunches will help build those abdominal muscles, you won’t see them anytime soon if you don’t burn some calories with varied full body cardio such as running and CrossFit. Variety is key. 

 -  Stretch it out: Doing too many crunches, twists and sit-ups can actually lead to bloating if you do not follow each session with proper stretching. Tight abdominal muscles may slow down circulation and in turn your digestive system, so ensuring you follow up your session with a lengthy stretch is essential.

 - Hydrate, hydrate & hydrate: If dull skin, headaches and a host of other health concerns that come with dehydration are not enough to convince you to drink up when you exercise, then perhaps a bloated stomach will do the job. That’s right, dehydration stops the body from processing toxins, which will ensure a bloated stomach no matter how many crunches you do.