A healthy body is a healthy mind; and a healthy mind is a healthy existence. It may sound like an astonishing piece of information, but the fact is that the root of all our problems lies in our stomachs. Acne, stress, laziness, physical illnesses is all a result of an unhealthy stomach. Even when we define obesity, it is about a bulging stomach.

A healthy person is one who looks after every part of the body, come-what-may. To ensure good health you must spend some time exercising everyday. Apart from good health you will also feel enthusiastic, energetic, confident and look good. Yes, being attractive is a result of exercises and proper food in-take.

In this article we try and navigate some simple exercises for maintaining a flat tummy.

Who does not desire a flat tummy? This is every woman dream, to be in the eye of admiration as far as her beauty is concerned. And a good body is an irresistible one. After all those bulges do make the body look not too good. With a flat tummy you could wear anything and yet have roving eyes set on you But then, a flat tummy comes at a price. How much?

That depends on how much you are willing to spend. While there are methods that cost money, there are others that do not even cost a dime but it dose cost you time and effort. Actually flattening the tummy is not as difficult as maintaining a flat tummy.

Whether you choose to pay for a flat tummy with processes like liposuction or purchase one of those abdominal exercise gadgets, or enroll at a gym or aerobic class. Or alternatively you simply exercise at home; no matter what you do, do not stop doing it. The best home tummy flattening exercise is what is known as stomach crunches

Crunches and reverse crunches work the abdominal muscles more but its just as important to have a balanced diet as well in addition to exercises. Another good tummy exercise is doing push-ups which work by forcing the stomach muscles to be held which in turn improves your tummy strength and toning your abs

Crunches are definitely a good way to flatten your tummy, but one that not too many enjoy. The good news is that there are some other activities that can help you accomplish your goal and they are fun too. One important aspect to remember is that a complete belly flattening program that includes not only crunches but a variety of activities will be easier and more fun for you. So if you are not getting the results you want with simple crunches, you may want to add these to your exercise routine. Over time you will see some amazing results… promise!

Relax and meditate

Surprised? A bulky tummy can be another side effect of stress. When we are stressed, the cortisol levels increase in our body. This is a hormone that seems to direct fat to our tummy area. When you feel stressed, take a few minutes just for yourself. Go to a quiet place and sit comfortably. Take a few slow deep breaths and clear your mind. When you exhale, suck your tummy in. Feel the warmth all over your body and relax. If you have a stressful job (or day), practice this often. You’ll not only flatten your tummy but will feel a difference in your health.

Quit smoking

Many smokers claim that they eat less if they smoke. However, it’s been proven that smokers actually have more fat around their waist. If you need help to quit the bad habit, look for professional help. Your tummy and your overall health will thank you.

Reduce your alcohol intake

It is known that alcohol drinks are high in calories. What is less known is that alcohol also increases cortisol levels which send fat to your belly.

Eat more fiber and  balanced diet

Fiber is great for weight loss as it helps you feel fuller. It also prevents constipation which may be the underlying cause of a bulky tummy. The recommended amount of fiber per day is between 25 to 35 grams which you can attain by eating more vegetables (especially green ones), grains and fruits. If you suffer from IBS, avoid foods that cause bloating, such as beans, cauliflower and peas. Just remember not to overdo the fiber either, as too much of it can cause constipation.

Drink plenty of water

Drink at least 8 glasses of water (64 oz) per day. This helps with premenstrual bloating and constipation, both causes of bulky tummies. Drinking water also helps by rinsing your body from the inside out to keep it free of toxins.

Tuck your tummy

Posture is equally important for a flat belly. When standing up, tuck your tummy in as if you wanted to touch your spine with your belly button. Do is as many times as you remember until it becomes a routine. Make sure you don’t raise your shoulders or curve your spine which could cause back pain.

Exercise is more than just crunches

If you go to the gym, an overall exercise program will also help your tummy. Pelvis tilts, Yoga, Callanetics, and Pilates are all great to flatten your tummy. Proper weight lifting may be helpful too. Make sure you seek advice from a certified trainer before starting any routine at the gym.

As you can see, most of these steps are easy to implement and follow so you can have a flat tummy with no extra crunches. If you smoke, look for help to help you quit the habit. Your tummy and overall health will thank you in more than one way. Also, remember that there are no shortcuts. As with anything worthwhile, attaining a flat tummy will require of your determination and perseverance.

Tummy exercises

When it comes to tummy exercises, the top tummys in town are not built by crunches alone.

There are plenty of exercises to flatten your stomach and trim your waistline, but they only work if you also do cardio exercises too.

Cardio is the secret added ingredient to ab workouts.

Many abdominal exercises are great, but our abs are hiding under our belly. So while we are doing tummy exercises we must also be doing fat burning workouts.

It is no good to have firm abs muscles if they are hidden under a jelly belly.So the best tummy exercises routines combine both tested and proven to work tummy exercises and cardio exercises. That way you tighten and tone the tummy, while also shrinking and melting away excess weight on the waistline.

You can do ab workouts first and then run on a treadmill or go for a walk or bike ride.Another option is to do ab workouts and then join in with an aerobics exercise class.

The problem is when you try to do stomach exercises after cardio. You may be too tired to work your abs. Do the abdominal workouts first.

One of the best workouts that helps both of these needs is the humble jump rope. Used by boxers, olympic athletes, famous sports stars, etc. You can get the jumprope in the photo below for only US $3.50. Yes that is just three dollars and fifty cents.

The exercise ball tummy flattner exercise is also simple. You can use an exercise ball or a cushion.

There is also an ab pillow made just for this purpose (see photo below).

Just put your bottom on the ball or pillow, place both feet flat on the floor about a foot apart, and then lean back onto the ball or pillow. Comfy?

Great, now comes the un-comfy part. Slowly raise your torso a little ways, just one third up or so. Feel the crunch?

The third tummy flattner exercise is a simple one you can do anywhere. You can do it at home, in a hotel room, at the beach, you name it.

This is the simple leg lift.

You lay on your back, on the floor on a mat, and lift your legs a few inches off the mat. Hold your legs up for as long as you can. You may remember this torture from your physical education classes at school. It worked then and it will work now. Rest and repeat. It will work if you work.