The secret to a fit and healthy body starts at the core of your body i.e. your stomach region or your midsection. This section includes your abdominal area, hip muscles, and back muscles. The secret to a perfect core is a combination of diet and exercise. Your diet accounts for up to 60 percent to get the perfect core while exercise only makes up for 40 percent. But unless these two don’t go hand in hand, you won’t see any changes in your midsection.
There are several diet tips and exercises one needs to follow to build a tight core. Now, let us move on to the most effective exercises that can transform you from flab to fab.
1 . Go for sit-ups
Do at least 3 sets of 25 situps every alternate day to see a change. Remember; don’t be in haste to execute your workout. Don’t stop until you feel your core muscles burn.
2 . Include V-crunches
If you have love handles or muffin tops, then start out with 4 sets of 25 v-crunches and keep a break of at least 10 seconds after each set.
3 . Make room for planks
Planks are a great way to strengthen your core muscles. Start out with a 30 seconds plank then take a break of 15 seconds before you start your next plank. Though it may seem like nothing, planks are quite effective as all the main muscles in your body are put to work. Lastly, we have leg raises, and scissor-ring which help define your lower core muscles. Those aiming to get great definition should do at least 5 sets of 20 every alternate day.
4 . Eat green
Anything that’s green is good for your stomach. Greens are rich in vitamins and minerals essential to break down food into energy, help repair your body and wounds and they also strengthen your immune system. Let us take spinach as an example. It is a Vitamin K rich plant that helps clean your colon and boost you with essential vitamins to fight bacteria and maintain proper functioning of your body. Dieticians recommend including spinach, broccoli, green beans, peas and bitter gourd in your diet as these vegetables are packed with vitamin C and K.
5 . Have multiple servings of fruits
Fruits are essential staples for vitamins, antioxidants and natural sugar. Instead of consuming packed and preserved juices, you are recommended to eat fruits in their natural state. Strawberries, blueberries, apples, papaya, and bananas are highly recommended as they clean your colon and inject you with the right amount of vitamins and natural sugar.
6 . Have a protein-rich diet
Eggs and boiled chicken are considered the Holy Grail for protein. To build a tight core one needs to feed his body with protein but only up to a limit. This will help add structure to your core if you’re working out adequately.