The following 8 'tips' are proven methods to lose that unwanted belly fat and set you on the road to a set of amazing abs:-
1. Cut out or reduce alcohol consumption. There's a reason it's called a 'beer belly'. An occasional drink is acceptable, but those drinking numerous times per week will never have amazing abs. Limit the amount of alcohol you consume and select carefully the types of alcohol you are drinking.
2. Work both the front and back. The muscles in your lower back keeps you upright from the back, whilst your abdominals do the same job from the front. Both muscles are worked extremely hard during heavy exercises such as deadlifts and squats. Ensuring good form is maintained at all times, add these exercises as part of your ab workout and see the results.
3. Only eat carbohydrates prior to training. Carbs are important, but unless you are looking to gain weight you should only eat them prior to a workout or training session.
4. Try and reduce Stress. Stress has been proven to increase the development of abdominal fat. The onset of stress causes cortisol to be released into your body. High levels of cortisol can stimulate storage of fat in the belly amongst other things.
5. Avoid eating late at night. Eating close to bedtime can cause fat to be stored as, in simple terms, you body is shutting down and limiting the amount of energy needed. Aim to stop eating around three hours before you hit the sack. If you can't last, try something like fruit - don't binge on junk food!
6. Keep motivated and enjoy your training. Viewing your stomach in a mirror gives you inaccurate feedback. What you see is influenced by numerous factors such as what's you've eaten, the lighting in the room, water retention and your own sub-conscious perception. If you want feedback, use specific measurable methods such as:-
• Measure your waist. Take measurements every month and compare.
• Take photos. Photograph your body every couple of weeks from the same angles and compare
these rather than the stored imagine you have in your mind!
• Review your training stats. Record your sessions and see whether the reps / weight and /or sets are increasing.
7. Increase your Protein intake. Protein has a greater thermic effect than other foods, thus your body burns more energy digesting proteins than it does digesting fat and carbohyrdates. This means a high protein diet is great for the body, and in particular losing that unwanted belly fat!.
8. Don't work abs everyday! You wouldn't work biceps everyday so don't work abs everyday. They work in the same way as other muscles so don't overload them with daily workouts.