In the latest push to have a flat stomach, ab machines are being touted at the next best thing. The idea is that a few stomach exercises, make easier with the use of a machine, will give you the waist line and weight you covet.
Probably the only one to benefit from this is the manufacturer and retailer of the ab machine. It is unlikely that it will do much for you.
Of course, any exercise is a good thing. But exercise itself, especially when it is limited to doing it inside, is not the answer. Exercise should always be part of any health or diet plan. But it needs to be all round exercise and preferably outside.
Why outside?
Connecting you to the natural world is soothing and has untold health benefits. Ideally, the air is also cleaner. And you will get the added benefit of the sun on your skin.
All round exercise, means that you do what you most enjoy doing – be that walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, pilates whatever makes you feel good. If you enjoy it and it makes you feel better, you will keep doing it. And that’s important.
Any exercise will increase your metabolic rate and so get your system working efficiently. This is as important for your elimination as it is for your health. The combination will ensure a steady weight loss.
On the other hand, ab machines won’t make you slimmer. They will simply make you stronger, your ab muscles anyway. That sounds great, but it is possible to have strong ab muscles and still carry a lot of fat or weight.
The best way to support a healthy body while you lose weight is to eat healthy food. Healthy eating for weight loss ensures that your health improves at the same time that you lose weight. Adding in to this mix a regime of exercise that you enjoy (it doesn’t have to be cardio or strenuous) and you can guarantee results.
Be realistic about your aim, rather than be tempted by clever advertising. Unhealthy food is always at the heart of excess weight and obesity. Even if you are a couch potato. Perhaps particularly so.
