by Anthony MacGregor

Created on: January 29, 2009

Well, the first thing you need to know is that they don't work. Yes, that's right, they don't work. At least not in the way the ads tell you they will, and much less in the way you expect them too.

You are probably considering getting an ab machine because you want a flat stomach, a six-pack. If you use an ab machine, or if you do just regular crunches, all you are doing is strengthening your core, increasing your muscle size and strength. This sounds great and desirable, but the problem is that there is still a layer of fat covering your perfect six-pack, and no matter how many crunches you do or how many machines you try, the only way to uncover your Greek demi-god physique is by burning that fat away. This is done with aerobic exercise, and diet.

The most popular aerobic exercise, and one of the most efficient out there, is running. No, you don't have to jump in and run marathon. Instead, heres a suggested plan for you:

1. Take the money you were going to spend on the fancy machine and buy yourself some good running shoes. Running shoes, not "sneakers" or "cross-trainers."

2. For 4 weeks, at least three times a week, go out around your block, and do a light jog, for at least 20 minutes. Walk at first if you have to, but make sure it is a brisk pace. Once you start feeling comfortable, you can increase your speed, or, more importantly, your time. After a couple months, you should ideally be running 30-45 minutes, 3-6 times a week.

3. Repeat. Every week. For the rest of your life. And make sure you follow a decent diet, otherwise its useless.

Six pack abs aren't a commodity that just happens and they just stay there and you move on. It's something you have to constantly maintain, keep track of. Once you have slimmed down a little (or a lot), you will start to notice some more definition. It will happen first in your arms, legs, face - the areas that have less amounts of fat. Eventually your stomach will start to disappear, and you will start to see you brand new abs pop up.

Not a big running fan? How about swimming? Cycling is also good, but results are slower. Aerobics, Zoomba - play a game of basketball with your son / dad / mother / sister / best friend a few times a week. Anything that gets your body in motion, gets you sweating and out of breath will do. But please, please don't buy into the ads on tv. They are an industry that is preying on the insecurities of millions of fat Americans, and they are doing it very successfully, when in reality all you need is a little motivation and a true desire to be fit and healthy. It's really all up to you.

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