Want to get flat abs? Here are some tips

Suck in That Gut 

A flat stomach is a sure sign of physical fitness, but getting one can be extremely difficult. Use the tips in this gallery and you'll be showing off your flat abs in no time!

One simple tip you should remember to use throughout the day is to suck in your gut. We often leave our abdominal muscles completely relaxed while we sit around all day, and that leads to the development of a big belly. Sucking in your gut tones your ab muscles, makes you appear thinner, and improves your posture. Try pulling your belly button back toward your spine and holding it there for 20-30 seconds as often as you can during the day. These mini-workouts will really add up!

Cardio and More Cardio

If you thought you could avoid the gym and get flat abs, stop dreaming. The single best solution for reducing belly fat is lots and lots of cardio. It's impossible to target fat in only one portion of the body, soactivities like running, biking, and swimming are your best bet for dropping weight. Belly fat are also some of the last pounds to drop for most people, so don't get discouraged and just keep that heart pumping.

Reduce Stress

Studies have shown that high levels of stress tend to increase the amount of fat gained around the midsection. If you're constantly stressing out or just don't get enough sleep, you're basically asking for a big belly. Rest and relaxation are extremely important elements of weight loss, so make sure you're not overworking yourself. If your stress levels are really high, try playing a sport or doing some vigorous exercise to calm your nerves.

Watch Your Diet

Exercise alone will make a difference in your weight, but you'll only notice a drastic change in your body if you adjust your diet. Focus on eating mostly lean proteins and fresh vegetables while avoiding large amounts of complex carbohydrates. You'll also want to reduce your intake of sodium, starches, and carbonated beverages to reduce bloating. A healthy diet combined with exercise will make the fat just melt away.

Crunches

Even if you manage to drop a lot of weight, your stomach will still look soft and squishy unless you work your abdominal muscles. Luckily, crunches are very easy, and doing them a few minutes each day can make a big difference! Make sure to do crunches slowly and with good form, or else you aren't getting the full benefit from this exercise.

Utilize Props

If you're having trouble strengthening your core, try to utilize props, such as exercise balls, that make you focus on balance. Try doing any of these simple exercises while balancing on a ball and see if you notice a difference:

• Push ups
• Crunches
• Bridges

The unstable surface of the ball makes your muscles work harder to maintain a position. All those little adjustments and wiggles really add up!