How to get flat abs and thinner legs

According to the current trends, pants are getting lower and tops are getting shorter, leaving little room to hide a flawed midsection. Yes, strong abs are sexy. And even a little pouch is cute. But, in addition to aesthetics, your abdominals support your back and help your posture. They also contribute to a strong lower back and in-line spine. But the honest truth about abs is that no matter how many ab exercises you do, you will not attain a flat tummy unless you remove the layer of fat around it. . . . Diet!Diet!Diet!

Rectus Abdominus

Your rectus abdominus is the long sheet of muscles that starts right below your chest and ends a few inches below your naval. This is one long muscle. It allows you to bend at the waist and works together with your lower back muscles to support and stabilize your torso while the rest of your body is moving. There is no such thing as "lower abs" or "upper abs." You may focus on specific portions of the rectus, but the entire muscle is worked during abdominal exercises.

Internal and External Obliques

Internal and external obliques run diagonally down the sides of your rectus abdominus. Your obliques are the enablers of the twisting motion. They also work with the other abdominal and back muscles to support your spine. A round, firm behind is something to be proud of. But no one wants too much "junk in the trunk." It's easy to work your butt off if you know the muscles to target.

Gluteus Maximus

The "glutes," also known as the butt, may be the largest muscles in the body, but they do not have to be the fattest! They cover the entire width of your derriere. They help you climb stairs and hills, jump, and assist with sitting or standing. Those tight jeans and extra oomph short skirts do wonders, but a lifted butt doesn't have to be an illusion. The real test is: How does your butt look when getting out of the shower? Don't you want your partner to see it, in all of its glory, without the added lift from figure flattering clothes?

If your buttocks are larger than you prefer, resistance training will make them firmer and more shapely, not bigger and bulkier. It's time to tighten that tush! Eliminate pantyline bulge, do away with butt dimples and burn those saddlebag pockets of fat. If you are one who sits all day on your rear end, then it would be a good idea to give those muscles the attention they deserve.

Hip Adductors

Otherwise known as the outer thigh or hip, hip adductors are muscles that help your leg slide out to the side, as if your were skating or stepping out of someone's way. These muscles work with your glutes to help turn your hips inwards. Strong adductors will help prevent hip injuries. These muscles are involved in almost every activity that involves the lower body. Strong adductors are important in maintaining a natural walking stride and preventing a lazy shuffle.

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