DOP 2009 Conference

When you think about dropping weight, losing belly fat and developing toned, defined abs, what is the first exercise that automatically comes to mind? Does it involve cardio, gravity, or resistance? Do you immediately think of the old standby crunches? If this is true, you need to read Mike Geary’s book “The Truth About Abs,” also available in a recently released German version called Die Wahrheit über Bauchmuskeln. In this book, Geary reveals crunches, sit-ups, and abs machines as actually the least effective, and even counterproductive, means for losing belly fat and defining the abdominal muscles. Crunches and sit ups, even those abs machines found in gyms and touted by personal trainers, do not speak to the actual cause of a bulging tummy, which is belly fat formed over the abdominal muscles. These exercises do not burn fat but do strengthen the muscles. Unfortunately, they do not lengthen the muscles to give a lean, attractive look but rather create a bunched, bulky look. This bulk forms beneath the layer of fat already on the stomach, only pushing it out further.