How Do I Get a Flat Tummy?
Ah yes, the fitness journey can be arduous and overwhelming, but it can be fun while also improving your health. Part of the healthy living and fitness journey is understanding your body, names of muscles and their locations to make exercise easier and more efficient. For instance, when using the term tummy that would be your abdomen or ‘abs’- ‘Rectus Abdominis, also known as your core.
Sometimes our days are full but there are some simple ways to incorporate exercise into your packed schedule: Using stairs instead of elevators, going for a walk instead of using a bus or car (if possible), dancing to your favorite songs, and if you sit a lot, just standing for periods of time and moving or stretching can add exercise to your day. Types of exercises that target the core without having to go to a gym or use of equipment are: Planks, Superman’s, Bicycle crunches, V-sit and Leg raises to name a few!
Involvement in sports, fitness classes, joining a gym or dance classes are another way to incorporate exercise into your day if you thrive more in group settings or with structured teachings.
Another part of the fitness journey is healthy eating and behaviors. Unfortunately, it is easy to fall prey to what is known as fad diets (popular marketed ‘quick’ ways to lose weight with promises that do not come through and aren’t sustainable). It is important to be able to separate the unsustainable fad diets from healthy eating (including having and maintaining a healthy relationship with food) and behaviors. Staying hydrated by drinking water throughout your day, not skipping meals, being mindful of what you eat and pacing yourself are just a few important points for healthy eating and behaviors.
You can obtain more information by speaking with your trusted doctor who might refer you to a registered dietician who can help figure out a plan that is healthy, balanced and appeals to you.
It is always important to speak with your trusted doctor when it comes to your health. If you don’t have a primary doctor or access to one, you can call (973) 971-5199 for the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at Morristown Medical Center or (908) 522-5757 for the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at Overlook Medical Center.
