Abdominal Workouts - Fast Ways to Shrink the Love Handles

How We Get Flabby Stomachs.

Active kids do not have worry about their waistlines. The "baby fat" disappears almost like magic during adolescence. That is because riding bikes, running rather than walking, and all the normal kid activities keep kids slim. The key word here is "active."  Kids that are not active may have obesity problems.  That said, as we get out of school and into adulthood, we tend to make less time for daily exercise and become more sedentary.

We go to work or school, sit at a desk, then go home and kick back in front of the tube or computer. Time is at a premium, right? Slowly, but surely, we tend to settle into a sedentary lifestyle with the result that we start gaining weight.

Women who have children have a special challenge because pregnancy can increase the waistline. Men will get "love handles," too. Well-fed by their wives or significant others, they gain a little pouch around the stomach that is unnoticed until clothes don't comfortably. All of us, whether male or female, who are in the business world may find ourselves entertaining clients over lunches or dinners or eating fast food on the go with our co-workers.

The point is, it's easy to start gaining wait, especially around the stomach.  As soon as you see the abdominal region getting out of hand, it's time to implement an abdominal workout program into your schedule. The longer you wait, the worse the situation becomes and the harder it is to correct this physical blemish.

Exercises That Will Shed Abdominal Fat.

Activity 1 - 10 Minutes of Sit-ups, or Alternative for People with Back Trouble.

Spend ten minutes a day doing sit-ups. Sit-ups are the premier abdominal workout! If you're a novice in the abdominal workout scene, take it slowly. Ease into your daily routine. If you can only do 5 or 10, that's OK. Increase by 1-2 each day. 

I personally have had back problems from a car accident and sit-ups are excruciating for my lower back.  I've used 6 Second Abs, which seems to do the trick ... I get the benefit of crunches without the pain.

Activity 2 - Just 10 Minutes and No Fancy Equipment.

Push-ups are another exercise which promote a smaller waistline, tighter abs, and tone your legs and arms, as well as firming up the behind! Again, start with just a few – as many as you can do without straining muscles – and add more as you gain strength.

Activity 3 - You Can Do It Anywhere!

Aerobic exercises are a good choice if you have joint stress problems, such as arthritis or joint injuries. All you need to do is tighten the abdominal muscles as you would by taking a deep breath. Hold that position for just five seconds, relax and repeat. This can be done while standing, sitting or lying down and is quite effective in toning those abs quickly. This abdominal workout can be done just about anywhere, even when you're waiting in line somewhere, so this one's a time-saver that working people can appreciate.

Activity 4 - Fun Stuff.

Remember the activities you enjoyed when you were young but didn't consider to be exercise? You rode your bike for fun; went bowling for fun; played basketball for fun -- you get the picture!  Consider taking up one of these activities again. These are all good for toning up the abs, arms and legs, are good for your circulatory system and gets you out in the fresh air. If you're older or have health concerns, check with your doctor before beginning a vigorous program of such exercise.

Activity 5 - Protect Yourself and Get Fit.

Martial arts classes are one of the best ways to get in shape.  Not only will you get fit, but you'll learn self-defense techniques. This is an all around body shaper. Instructors are certified martial artists and can safely organize your workouts to suit your individual needs.

It's All Good.

Not only will the above activities help you lose those love handles, but you'll be in better health and feel better about yourself! Give these a try – they work!

"Abdominal Workouts - Fast Ways to Shrink to Love Handles" contributed by Nancy Bennett