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That annoying bit of flab that seems to hang on around the abdomen, ab flab, if you will, can be diminished. With enough use, abdominal muscles can be tightened to flatten the beer belly. Cutting down on the beer helps too, of course, but that's another matter. There are ways to work it off without working too hard.

In addition to the obvious benefits of thinner abs, they put a smaller load on your back. This makes you less likely to have back problems, which are often caused by carrying more weight than the back was designed to carry. When there is too much in the front, it can lead to bad posture, another strain on the back.

There are plenty of chances in daily life to work those muscles. Lying down on an office floor to do sit-ups is not often convenient, but sitting in an office chair is an opportunity to give your legs and middle a little exercise. Just hold your feet off the floor for a few minutes. If you point your legs forward, you should be able to feel it in your middle and in your calves. If this would cause a risk of tripping someone who was walking by, you can hold your feet under your chair and still feel it in your middle. You can hold one leg at a time with the foot raised just a bit. No one will suspect a thing.

Driving is another opportunity. When your foot moves from one pedal to the other, tighten your abs. You should be able to feel it. Another is in movie theaters. Holding one foot at a time a bit higher than the floor while you're watching a movie can make walking out afterwards more comfortable too. You can do the same thing at home when you're watching television or reading. Or you can point your legs forward as if you were resting your feet on the coffee table, but move the coffee table first.

Whatever kind of exercise machine you use, remember to pull in the abdominal muscles while you use it. It's already doing you some good; why not make a good thing better? Work on the saddlebags or the arms and the gut at the same time. Stationary bikes, rowing machines, treadmills and the rest of them can be used for getting rid of ab flab.

Here is where it is necessary to mention that before you start any exercise routine you consult your physician. Of course everyone heeds this advice, right?

Learn more about this author, Alicia Suenaga.
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