Want that flat, six pack of abs in time
for summer weather? Well, Dr. Ed Jackowski is here to help!
The New York based doctor, head of Exude Fitness and trainer to the
stars, says youre going get out, what you put in!
You can get tighter abs by exercising a mere 10 minutes a day
three times a week, he says. The key to success is to stay focused on your
abdomen and be faithful to your workout.
Jackowski says that ab crunches wont do the job.
You need to do a full sit-up, even if you use your arms to
help you get up, he says. That way you are using your whole abdominal wall,
not just the upper region. Keep your feet flat on the floor and do 10-15 setups to
start.
Then, when you get stronger, increase five more until you can
easily do 30, Jackowski, who at 40 is fitter than ever explains.
For women who feel bloated at certain times of the
month, Jackowski says:
Dont sweat it. Keep up your workout and reduce your salt
intake so that you dont retain water, which gives you that bloated look.
Drink lots of waterat least six to eight glasses daily
to help flush out the system. Avoid drinking diet sodas which contain sorbitol, an
ingredient that can cause stomach bloating.
Jackowski also recommends adding an aerobic workout to help flush
out abdominal fat and reduce overall girth.
Work up a sweat two or three times a week, he says.
Increase your intensity by walking faster or taking up a new sport like
biking.
Eat lots of fiber, too, to avoid constipation and offset water
retention.
Always keep a fruit or two handy for snacking, he says.
Fruit has the right kind of fiber to keep your digestive system normal and is a
handy, low calorie snack thats full of nutrients.
Eating slowly and really chewing your food keeps digestive enzymes
working so you digest more easily. Gulping your food introduces too much air thats
what makes your abdomen look nine months pregnant!
Check your medication, too. Antibiotics, aspirin and artificial
hormones can destroy digestive flora in your gut and cause bloating. Eat yogurt to
counteract this effect. If youre getting really gassy on a regular basis, ask your
doctor to suggest over-the-counter medications that help disperse gas bubbles and reduce
the bloating.
Overeating is another common reason for jelly bellies.
Do not overeat, he says. Stop when youre
full.
You can have an attractive, flat stomach in weeks, says
Jackowski. Eat sensibly and exercise regularly.