5 EXERCISES FOR FLATTER ABS

Don’t be misled thinking that sit-ups and crunches will give you a flat stomach. If you cannot see your abdominals, it generally means they are covered by a layer of subcutaneous fat. The best exercises to flatten your stomach are big compound movements that burn a lot of energy along with targeted core exercises. Sit-ups and crunches may develop your abdominal muscles but you will never, ever see them unless the fat is stripped away.
The first step is to take care of your nutrition and remember ‘your abs are made in the kitchen’.

Here are our top 5 exercises for a flatter stomach. These exercises focus on using a lot energy (calories) and core strength;

1. KETTLEBELL SWINGS – One of the best ‘bang for your buck’ exercises giving you a strength and cardio workout that can burn more calories than most other exercises. Targeting hamstrings, lower back, glutes and calves, the kettlebell will also work your core muscles.
   You can do a whole range of exercises in a total body workout with kettlebells.
2. BARBELL FRONT SQUATS – The barbell front squat is a multi-joint (compound) exercise that strengthens the legs and glutes while building strength in the core. Keeping the torso upright requires increased abdominal activation, drawing your abdominals in tight against your spine.
3. DEADLIFTS – Thedeadlift is a strong powerful exercise in which a loaded barbell is lifted off the ground to the hips, then lowered back to the ground. Known as the ‘King’ of all exercises, working your legs, glutes, back, core and shoulders – a total posterior exercise.
4. Pull-ups – A great compound exercise that targets your upper body – back and core muscles. If you are new at this exercise and do not have the strength to perform it, you can use an assisted machine to begin. Resistance bands can also assist in building your strength up with this exercise.
5. Plank – No equipment needed. Works your abdominals and stabilises core muscles. There are various planks you can try. The stronger and more resilient your lower back will be to help avoid injury, and the better your abs will look when you lose the fat from them.Every one of the above exercises requires you to brace your core, engaging your abdominals throughout the entire movement.
   Most importantly, once again – it all comes back to your Nutrition.