bicycle-crunchDo you know it takes just 3 simple exercises to achieve a flat tummy? All that, of course, complemented by 120% commitment, proper nutritional intake and a 20-minute brisk walk every day. The best thing about these exercises is they require just a mat and no other equipment! Give them a try and welcome washboard abs in no time!

The Bicycle Crunch

Lie down with your back pressed onto the floor. Bring your hands behind your head. Starting with your legs bent at a 45° angle, bring the right knee into the chest while straightening out your left leg. At the same time, rotate your top half so your left elbow goes to your right knee, then switch to the other side. Repeat for one minute, three times a day.

The Boat

Sit on the floor, with your knees bent and feet flat and tilt back, extending your legs so your body forms a right angle. Pull your abs in to balance. Extend your arms at shoulder height past your knees. Hold for five slow breaths and return to your starting position. Repeat five times a day.

The Plank

Lie face down then lift yourself up on to your toes and forearms, with your elbows bent at 90 degrees. Keeping your core muscles – your stomach and bottom – tight and your legs straight, hold for 10 seconds. Repeat three times a day, gradually building to 40 seconds each.

Now, that’s not just it; you also need to pay attention to what you drink and eat. Another important thing for you to do is relax!

Do NOT stress: Studies show that when you are stressed, you release a hormone known as cortisol. High levels of cortisol cause the body to deposit fat around the midsection, making you look bloated. So the lesser the stress, the lesser the fat! Make it a point to take a 5-minute break every few hours in the midst of your daily routine and see the difference in just a few weeks.

The right protein: While it’s popular knowledge that protein is a must for fat-burning processes, it is far more crucial to know what kind of protein you need to chow down on. You can’t just rely on red meat, eggs, and milk products for excess of those can lead to belly bloating. What you can do is also include other proteins like rice and peas which are easier on the digestive tract.

Coffee VariationYour coffee needs variety: Don’t just add spoons of sugar and cream to your cup to enrich the taste. There are numerable flavours available; trying a different one every once in a while helps. And more important, don’t forget that coffee is rich in antioxidants and phenols that’ll give your metabolism a boost and kick-start your digestive system.