By: Siddiqu “The Personal Trainer”
ACE (American Council of Exercise), NFPT (National Federation of Personal Training) Certified Personal Trainer, IHSA Certified Coach, and Boxing Fitness Trainer
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When you start a workout routine or new diet, you may want to lose weight or be in better shape, but there is one thing that is guaranteed – you want to have a flat stomach. A flat, tight stomach is a clear sign to the world that you are in shape and fit, and we all know that one of the most unattractive qualities on any body is a big mid-section!
Here are some key “Do’s an Don’ts” you can set in place in your routine to ensure that flabby gut is gone forever!
Do: Perform cardio activities consistently that elevate your heart rate. Jumping jacks, stair runs, jumping rope, jogging and swimming are all good activities to participate in. Your goal should be to engage in some cardio 4-5 times a week minimum, with 30 minutes per activity.
Don’t: Don’t indulge in impractical and fast methods to lose belly fat, as you risk reversing your results just as quickly. Moreover, try to maintain consistency in your dietary plans in order to maintain the same toned body.
Do: Eat as many vegetables as you can. If you are eating, then a vegetable should be somewhere on the plate. Vegetables take up more space in your stomach, and are more easily digested in your system. So this means that you feel full from less calories, and in turn, you will eat less food.
Don’t: Don’t consume too much junk food and deep fried food, as they are the main cause of accumulation of excess fat around the belly. Try to avoid unhealthy choices like fast food hamburgers, pizza and fried meats, as these food are rich in elements that lead to a high rise in cholesterol levels.
Do: Enjoy the process of toning up! Make a game out of it, or challenge a friend to a tone stomach contest. If you do not enjoy the process, it will become difficult to sustain it. If you constantly tell yourself you hate exercise or you hate vegetables, then you will start to believe it, and the first chance you get, you’ll drop your program and go back to your detrimental old habits.
Don’t: Don’t expect fast results out of exercise! Losing belly fat is not an overnight task. It takes time to have a toned and flat stomach, and developing a ‘six pack’ is not easily achievable. Have patience until you reach your goals!
For more information on Siddiqu “The Personal Trainer” go to CF4Life.com
Siddiqu is a regular guest on Chicago’s Power 92.3′s morning show, the WVON Morning show, and Fox’s Raw TV. Siddiqu specializes in weight loss and body toning. His educational background includes a B.A. in Marketing from DePaul University, and he is currently pursuing an MBA/MS from Loyola University Chicago.
