Facts About Tummy Reduction
If you want to focus solely on tummy reduction, then surgery is probably the only option available. Tummer reduction surgeries include gastric band, gastric bypass, and liposuction. The first two are actually weight reduction surgeries and will not necessarily cause weight loss specifically in the stomach. Liposuction, however, actually removes fat from specifc areas of the body. All surgeries carry risks, and for some people the benefits are only temporary.
Many people want what’s called “spot reduction”. They believe that they can lose weight in specific areas of their bodies by exercising in certain ways. This myth is fueled by infomercials and other product promotions. The truth is that we cannot target where our bodies will lose fat. We can tone the muscles under the fat with specific exercises such as crunches, but until the fat disappears there will be no visible evidence of our efforts.
That’s not to say that we shouldn’t tone our muscles even if there is fat covering them. Building muscle will help to burn the fat. A muscular body burns more calories than a body with less muscle mass. To lose fat you need to burn more calories than you consume. There are no magic secrets or miracle food combinations that will make this easier. It’s really a very simple concept. Do a lot of cardio exercise to raise the heart rate and burn calories and eat well balanced meals of moderate portions.
Another fact that debunks the myth of spot reduction is that each of our bodies stores fat differently and in different places. Experts agree that fat will be lost first in the last place that it was gained. This is bad news for someone that has always had belly fat and wants a flat tummy. When we lose fat from our body, we lose inches everywhere.
Again, it still is good to develop muscles that are beneath the fat. If you stay with a nutrition and fitness program for some time, eventually your hard work will show. Another reason to exercise your abdominal muscles even if the results are not immediately visible, is that it is good for your entire body. Core training has become a buzz word among fitness professionals. It is the concept of training the muscles of your body that provide balance. These muscles include your abs, glutes, and back muscles. Having a strong core will help you maintain better posture and you will suffer fewer injuries since your other muscles will be supported by your large core muscles. You will also have more stamina for everyday activities as well as fitness activities. Back injuries are also less likely if you have a strong core.
There are many ways to strengthen core muscles. Crunches are a classic abdominal strength exercise. The plank also works to promote a strong core, including glutes and back muscles. The plank is an isometric exercise and will not cause muscles to bulge, so if you’re looking for a six pack, this exercise will not give you that.
Yoga and pilates are exercise disciplines that work toward developing a strong core. Pilates focuses almost solely on the core and is more fitness oriented than the practice of yoga. Yoga focuses on core muscles, balance, and flexibility. It incorporated breathing routines and spirituality as well. Certain yoga asanas will help strengthen the core and lead to a flat tummy. The child pose, wind releasing pose, spinal twist, and cobra pose all aid in achieving a tight abdomen.
The benefits of practicing yoga or using pilates along with a combination of weight loss tactics to achieve a tummy reduction are many. Surgery, unless you are morbidly obese, is only a quick fix to a lifetime of bad habits. Good nutrition and exercise are the most healthy way to achieve long-lasting tummy reduction.