10 Reasons Your Ab Exercises Aren't Working

Abs are made in the kitchen and bed

1. Your form is sloppy.

Using momentum rather than muscle strength, sagging your hips in a plank, or not engaging your abdominal wall.

2. You're doing the wrong moves.

Crunches don't work for a flat belly. Bosu and stability balls challenge your balance, forcing your core to work harder.

3. You're breathing incorrectly or not at all.

Breathing should be your primary focus. Inhale to prepare; begin to exhale as you pull your belly button toward your spine and start to curl up, keeping your abs pulled in throughout the move.

4. You're stuck in a rut.

Doing the same exercises each day without changes the number of reps or weight will slow your progress.

5. You're mailing in your cardio.

Interval training will burn extra belly fat faster than steady-state cardio on the treadmill.

6. You're eating the wrong foods.

Eat fewer refined carbs(bread, pasta, etc.) and watch your sugar and alcohol intake. Lean meat, fiber, and green vegetables help reduce belly fat.

7. You're focused on quantity, not quality.

If you are doing the exercises correctly 1-3 sets of 15-20 reps per exercise will get you results.

8. You're skimping on sleep.

Lack of sleep leads to weight gain. Focus on getting 6-8 hours or sleep each night.

9. You're speeding through your workout.

Slow and controlled movements work the muscle more. Even pausing or holding the position is better than rushing through the movement.

10. You're a stress magnet.

Stress causes cortisol, which can lead to weight gain, especially in the abdomen.

10 Reasons Your Ab Exercises Aren't Working

Kate Rance