Ask the Doctors
By Drs. Jeff, Craig and Marissa

Question: How Can I Firm Up My Abdomen?

Answer: If this is a problem area for you, we have a few tips to bring out your ‘inner abdominal’ beauty. Keep in mind that it is almost impossible to lose inches in just one area. The body is only capable of losing weight uniformly. So, ignore all those commercials stating false claims like “you can lose 5 inches off your waist in just 5 days!” It is possible, however, to tone a certain muscle group through resistance training. So here are a few helpful tips to tone those abdominals:

1. Proper nutrition is the # 1 most effective way to shed those extra inches. Please follow the recommended “low sugar-low starch” Curves program.
   
   
2. The Curves workout, when done properly, is sufficient enough to maximize your abdominal muscles. However, here are some extra tips to target your abs: do 5-10 minutes of straight crunches and side (oblique) crunches, 3 times per week. You can do this at home or in a designated area in your Curves gym. Ask your Curves trainer for details. An Ab-Roller is a great tool to ensure proper technique and isolate the abdominals.
   
   
3. Natural fat burners: C.L.A. aka. Conjugated Linoleic Acid and L-Carnitine supplements can enhance your body’s potential to utilize fatty acids for fuel and energy. In other words, along with exercise and proper nutrition, these supplements can enhance your weight loss. If you have any specific questions about these products, please talk to your physician, naturopathic doctor, or chiropractor for details. You can find these at any Whole foods, GNC, or vitamin store.
   
   
4. You need to stretch!!! Research has found that stretching post-workout can enhance the strength of your muscles, by as much as 19% (Wow!). That extra strength will allow you to do more crunches to further define those abs!