Personal trainer tip: Five things you should be doing for a flat tummy

Here are five quick fire tips to help you get that flat tummy!

1. Compound exercises, not just sit ups

There is a big misconception that all you need to do to get a flat tummy is thousands of sit ups each day, this isn’t the answer! Compound exercises work multiple muscle groups and therefore you’re working more muscle groups in less time. These exercises will burn a lot of energy and help to remove fat from all over your body, tummy included!

2. Fasted training

Doing your workout on an empty stomach is another way of helping to strip off body fat. Fasted cardio in the morning is great because your body will have conserved carbohydrate stores overnight and will naturally make you use fat stores as fuel, so that early morning blitz will be a fat burning one. Remember HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) is the most effective way to burn a lot of calories and fat both during and after you exercise.

3. Stress

This can be a factor in slowing down fat loss, so you need to manage it the best you can. Stress will send your hormones all over the place which can lead to your body resisting weight loss, and also increase things such as cravings. An increase in the hormone cortisol can increase fat storage in the tummy. Try to make sure you are getting a good night’s sleep, take relaxing walks, see friends, go to yoga, meditate, or anything else that chills you out and makes you happy!

4. Reduce sugar and starches

A big win is to cut back on the foods with a high sugar content and starchy carbohydrates (like white bread and pasta). You do need carbohydrates for energy, but if you eat good quality, low sugar and low starchy carbohydrates then this will aid with keeping that tummy fat off. You get the energy you need, but no nasties or ‘nutritionally empty’ carbohydrates.

5. Caffeine

Although a lot of people like an early morning coffee, cutting out coffee/caffeine for some people can be a quick win as caffeine can raise cortisol levels. There is also a chance you will feel a small energy boost, followed by a drop in energy shortly after; this can play with your hormones and make you feel hungry and give you cravings. Try some green tea as an alternative and make sure you are drinking lots of water, which can also act as an appetite suppressant.

If you can follow these tips along with a healthy, balanced diet, and get your 3-4 workouts in per week, you’ll be well on the road to a flatter tummy.

If you need any further guidance, you can get in touch with our expert personal trainers in Bristol by calling 0117 403 7600, or email info@efitbristol.co.uk. Learn more on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/efitbristol.