Sit-Ups and Crunches Will Not Make Your Stomach Flat, Here's Why

Most people are unaware of the fact that doing mega sets of sit-ups and crunches won't even come close to making their stomachs flat, but they will make it more muscular, and there's a big difference between muscular and flat.

The reason that so many of us believe in doing sit-ups and crunches is because we've been influenced by professional fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders who swear by them.

What we don't realize is that these professionals do sit-ups and crunches to add symmetry to their already larger than average frames. When us average-sized folks do large amounts of sit-ups and crunches over a period of time, our abdominal muscles develop to the point of looking like a turtle shell.

Photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

Even when we get lean, our over-developed abdominal muscles still make us look like we have pot guts. But don't worry, there are more suitable exercises that you can do to train your core without adding muscle. But the first thing that you must do isn't even an exercise; it's cosmetic, and that is you must practice proper posture and breathing.

I wish I could say that I have mastered the art of proper posture, but I haven't. Hunching over and improper breathing actually makes our stomachs look bigger. Before I move on to alternative abdominal exercises, I want you to know that the way to achieving a flat stomach is diet, not exercise. Here are a few exercises that will help you get a tight flat stomach.

1. Lying Floor Wipers: Lie on your back with your arms flat out at your sides. Your legs and feet should be together, and pointed straight up towards the ceiling. Using your abs, slowly lower your legs all the way to the floor on your right, then to your left. Return to the starting position. That's one rep. Do ten reps.
2. Single-Leg Kicks: While sitting on the floor, lean back on your elbows. Keep your feet planted and torso straight. While letting your abs do the work, kick your right foot towards the ceiling, then bring it down and let it tap the floor, do the same with your left foot. Continue this rhythm for 30 seconds, and be sure to keep your abs engaged.
3. Pelvic Tilt: While on all fours, and your back in a neutral position, tilt your pelvis as if you are trying to touch your navel with your pubic bone. This abdominal exercise is more about form than reps. Ten to fifteen reps is plenty.

Train your abdominal muscles no more than three times a week, with at least one day of rest in between workouts. You can also choose to train them only when you feel they need it; like when your posture could use a lift. And remember, the best way to get that flat stomach that we all desire is through diet, not exercise. Let's go.