Six- Pack Central

Have you ever stood in front of your mirror, lifted your shirt to expose your stomach and tried to visualize those six, individual squares on your skin? Well, you don't have to visualize or dream about it any more. YOU too can have six pack abs. Sounds too much like an infomercial? Products exist on the market that claim to flatten your stomach and remarks such as, "I love my abdominals, I love my belly," are just a few of the so-called reactions of the greatest ab workout on the market. You don't need fancy workout equipment for $19.95 to get you the stomach you want.

Like it or hate it that stubborn fat around your mid-section is not going to go away overnight, or a week for that matter. It takes time. So either you want to know how to lose that little extra or how to tighten up that almost-there six pack.

First, stop-eating-the-junk. There is no other way to say it, junk food will create that extra weight gain, especially what has settled right around your mid-section. If you are a die-hard junk food junky then succumb to that urge every so often, a great way to think about it is to give yourself three cheat meals throughout one day or for your own sanity three cheat meals throughout the week. This way your cravings will subside and you get your junk food fix.

Second, learn to ride a bike. Bob the trainer on The Biggest Loser advocates spinning as a great form of cardiovascular exercise and losing that spare tire. In 30 minutes on a spinning bike, you will have burned roughly 500 extra calories on top of your daily burn from just living. This does not mean you can eat that extra cheeseburger or milkshake. Reward yourself after with a vanilla or chocolate protein shake that will promote mending the muscle fibers after an intense workout and suppress your need for that sugar or junk food.

Third, stop overeating. There are a million and one excuses, I'll only eat a little, I've had a stressful day at work or it's that time of the month. STOP. A great way to not overindulge is by curbing those thoughts of food and continually sticking your hand in that bag searching for the french fries is by exercising. Try spinning or swimming, something that takes your mind off food and whatever problems you had that day. Endorphins are the result of exercise which can elevate your mood and relieve pain from arthritis, stiff joints or even a problem at work that is plaguing you. This article illustrates the benefits of exercise.

And last, some abdominal exercises that you can try at home.

1. Full-motion crunch on stability ball

• Begin lying supine (face up) on the ball with your hands behind your head and your knees, feet and ankles together. Reach your chin toward the ceiling without letting your knees release. Hold at the top for 3 seconds then release down. Be careful to keep your elbows pointing to the left and right to keep your spine in a safe position. Repeat this exercise three sets, 20 repetitions.

2. Pilates roll up

• Begin lying on your back arms extended straight overhead. Begin rolling your body up slowly beginning with your arms and head and the rest of your body will follow. It is important to NOT let your legs life off the ground. Once you are all the way up, sit with a straight back, pull your abdominals in and roll slowly down. This exercise should take about 10 seconds to roll up and down for one rep. Repeat three sets, 20 reps.

3. Mountain climber

• Begin in a plank, push-up position. In a quick motion, bring your right foot up under your chest leaving your left foot back in the position. Continue this motion for 30 seconds. If 30 is too much, begin with 10 seconds and resting for 10 seconds. You will build upper body strength and work all of your abs in the process.

Enjoy your tips and workouts and remember repetition and consistency are key. Try it once and you won't see results, try and try again and you just may see that six-pack as a reality.