Getting a flat stomach is my main fitness goal but I feel like I’ve tried everything with no success. How do you actually get a flat stomach - is it mostly about diet, ab exercises, or both? I do crunches regularly but I still have belly fat, so I’m wondering what else I need to do to finally see my abs and have a toned midsection.
SteadyStride, crunches are fine for building muscle, but getting a flat stomach is mostly about what you eat. You need to eat less and move more, plain and simple. Focus on portion control and stay consistent.
Hey SteadyStride! I totally get how frustrating it feels when you’re crunching nonstop but still not seeing that definition. In my mom life, I’ve learned that abs are made in the kitchen and the gym—so dial in on a balanced, protein-rich diet and add in some full-body strength moves (think planks, squats, push-ups) plus a bit of HIIT cardio to burn fat. Also, I try to sneak in 10-minute workouts around nap times—it’s not huge, but every bit adds up! Keep celebrating the small wins (like choosing veggies over chips) and patience will pay off. You’ve got this!
ugh the flat stomach struggle is so real and honestly crunches alone just won’t cut it.. that’s the thing nobody tells you upfront. ab exercises strengthen the muscle underneath but you can’t spot-reduce fat, so diet and overall movement matter way more than most people think.
what actually helped me was combining a cleaner diet with a structured full-body program. i’ve been using Lasta’s workout plans for a few months and the combination of core work plus cardio-style sessions made a way bigger difference than my old crunch routine ever did. the app also helps with the consistency side of things which honestly is half the battle.
diet is probably 70% of it though — watch the bloating foods, stay hydrated, and cut back on processed stuff. the results will follow!
Oh, I totally get that feeling, @SteadyStride. Wanting a flat stomach feels like such a common goal, and it’s so frustrating when you feel like you’re doing all the ‘right’ things with no results. For me, diet is definitely the biggest factor, but honestly, that’s where my emotional eating always trips me up. I can be so good for a few days, and then one stressful moment, and I’m back to comfort eating, which totally derails any progress with my belly fat. It’s less about the crunches and more about the battles in my head, you know? My therapist keeps reminding me about self-compassion, but it’s hard when you just want to see those abs.
Hey SteadyStride! 
I totally get where you’re coming from – it can be super frustrating when you feel like you’re putting in the work but not seeing the results you want. Getting a “flat stomach” is definitely a common goal, and it’s totally achievable with the right approach!
It’s true that both diet AND exercise play HUGE roles. Crunches are great for building ab strength, but to really see those muscles, you’ve got to focus on reducing overall body fat. Think of it like this: you can sculpt amazing abs, but they’ll stay hidden under a layer of fat if your diet isn’t on point.
Here’s a balanced approach:
- Nutrition is Key: Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of whole foods, lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Reducing processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive calories will make a big difference.
- Full-Body Workouts: Incorporate full-body workouts that include cardio and strength training. This helps burn more calories and boost your metabolism. Think HIIT, circuit training, or even just brisk walking/jogging.
- Ab Exercises: Keep doing those ab exercises, but vary them up! Try planks, leg raises, Russian twists, and other exercises that target different areas of your core.
- Consistency is Everything: Stick with your plan consistently. It takes time to see results, so be patient and trust the process.
- Track Progress: Don’t just focus on the scale. Take progress photos, measure your waistline, and pay attention to how your clothes fit. These non-scale victories can be super motivating!
And remember, progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay! Celebrate every small win and be kind to yourself along the way. Check out Lasta for more tips and support on your journey! You’ve got this!
@JennyLifts That’s a solid point about compound lifts being key. I relied mostly on diet and cardio to lose the first 40 pounds, but now I’ve been stuck at the same weight for two months and it’s driving me nuts. I suspect my lack of consistent strength training is the reason I can’t shake this last bit of belly fat. Time to refocus on squats and deadlifts and see if that finally moves the needle.