Does Gymnastics Make Your Stomach Flat?

Maybe you've noticed that gymnasts have pretty incredible abs. If your goal is to flatten your stomach, you might feel tempted to take a gymnastics class or two. Unfortunately, you can't handstand and cartwheel your way to lean abs. Even so, there are several tips and tricks you can take from the gymnastics book and, with hard work and plenty of time, your stomach could even compare to your favorite Olympic gymnast's.

  1. Body Fat

    • It could be that your body stores fat around your midsection, which might come in between you and your flat stomach. Even though you can't choose where to lose fat, if you start burning fat, you should eventually see it come off your belly as well. To get rid of a pound of fat, you should burn 3,500 calories, says the Mayo Clinic. One way to do this is by engaging in intense physical activity, like running. Gymnasts must run fast before their tumbling passes and as they approach the vaulting table.

    Core Strength

    • Gymnasts usually have lean abs because the sport requires a tremendous amount of core strength. To flatten your stomach, you can try some gymnastics conditioning exercises. Lie on your back with your arms extended over your head and your legs straightened in front of you. Bring your arms and shoulders up as you raise your knees to your chest so only your butt is touching the ground. Go back down to the starting position, then repeat 10 times. Try the same exercise, but instead of having your knees come to your chest, come up with straight legs so your toes are pointing toward the ceiling. Go back down, then repeat 10 times. Do at least three sets for each exercise, six days a week.

    Diet

    • It's true that abs are made in the kitchen, according to "Shape" magazine. In other words, what you eat has a larger effect on the size of your stomach than how much exercise you do. For lean abs, the magazine recommends filling up with plenty of fibrous, low-calorie vegetables like broccoli, asparagus and brussels sprouts. These foods will not only keep you from binging on unhealthier snacks later, but the fiber in them will help reduce stomach bloating.

    Time

    • Flat abs won't happen for you overnight. A gymnast will train for years before her body reaches its peak. For example, 2012 Olympic all around gold medalist Gabby Douglas started the sport when she was only 6 years old. However, fitness trainers Daniel and Kelli Segars say that, if you work out diligently, burning at least 500 calories from exercise every day, you could see small results in as little as two to three weeks.