Flatten_your_abs_manual

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual Written and Copyright 2002 by David Grisaffi E-mails welcome [email protected] Copyright 2002 All rights reserved. Editor: Karlee Moore with Don Lemmon Models: Shelley Stewart and Whitney Grisaffi No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review, without permission in writing from the author or publisher. A WORD OF CAUTION Core conditioning: Flatten Your Abs Conditioning Manual deals with in-depth information on health, fitness, and nutrition. Most of the information applies to everyone in general. Not everyone has the same body type. We each have different responses to exercise depending upon our choice of intensity and diet. Before making any changes in your life-style, you should consult with a physician to find out what is best solution for your individual body type.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual Flatten Your Abs Table of Contents Introduction Abdominal Exercises 4 Point Transverses Abdomens Vacuum Horse Stance Vertical Pelvic Tilt Heel Slides Lower Abdominal: Leg Lifts Alternate Prone Alternating Arm and Leg Lower Abdominal: Leg Cycle Alternate Transverse Abdominis Flat Tuck Horse Stance Horizontal Horse Stance Alphabet Cross Crunch Russian Twist: Bent Knees Floor Crunch Lower Abdominal: Leg Cycle Jointly Lower Abdominal: Feet to the Ceiling Reverse Crunch on Floor Russian Twist: Leg Straight Dumbbell Side Flexion Forward Ball Roll Prone Knee and Hip Flexion Swiss Ball Crunch Reverse Crunch on Bench Supine Hip Extension Swiss Ball Side Flexion Horizontal Woodchopper Supine Lateral Ball Roll Core Twister on Swiss Ball Bent Rows 17 Straight Arm Pull Downs Supine Hip Extension (one leg) Lunge-Static and Dynamic Prone Bridge Woodchopper Standing Reverse Woodchopper Standing Hanging Leg Raise Woodchopper Dynamic Reverse Woodchopper Dynamic Front Squat Weight Crunch on Swiss Ball Reverse Crunch on Swiss Ball Single Arm Cable Push Single Arm Cable Pull Reverse Hyperextensions Multi-Directional Lunge Training the Abdominal Region Core Strengthening and Fat Lose Lower abdominal strength test Upper abdominal strength test Core Functional Stabilization and Control Exercises Abdominal/Core Level I A b d o m i n a l / C o r e Level II Abdominal/Core Level III Abdominal/Core Level IV Abdominal/Core Level V Abdominal/Core Level VI Abdominal/Core Level VII More Questions Supplementation Popular Products Top 10 Abdominal Secrets Being Realistic The Truth about Abs

3 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 22 23 23 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 32 33 35 35 36 36 37 37 37 38 38 38 39 40 45 50 55 58

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

2

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

“An Idle Butt is the Devils Fat Depository” David Grisaffi, Personal Fitness What's the best way to build abdominal muscles? Answer: This is by far the most frequently asked question I get. Abdominal muscles are the most desired muscles that people (male or female) want developed and improved. Usually, the questions are followed by comments such as, "I do 100 sit-ups a day and I'm not seeing any results.” That is why we are here. This book will outline the information you need to improve your body in this region, which I often will refer to as the ‘core’ region. And this core musculature is made up of many different muscles and muscle groups. To target the entire core area we must address each of these groups and prescribe specific exercises. All that we do must correspond to improving not only aesthetics but also their natural function if you want results. ¾ Exercise is an extremely important, however not the only factor considered when defining the midsection. Everyone has abdominal muscles; however, most of the population never sees them due to the “spill over effect” of fat hanging around their midsection. The trick or solution to finally viewing the abdominal region underneath is simply a core-conditioning program like this coupled with a fat loss nutrition program like Don Lemmon’s KNOW HOW. If you want to see the core region and the six-pack, the fat has got to go. This is done through diet. The shape of what lies beneath depends upon your conditioning. By making a couple of adjustments to your current schedules, you can have those prized abs you’ve always wanted within a couple of weeks or months in extreme cases, and not years as you might have expected. I'll be the first to admit; abdominal information can be confusing. We hear too many different concepts, opinions, rumors, and theories from experts, doctors, personal trainers, friends, teachers, infomercials; know it alls and even our parents. I will give you the facts here. I will explain what information is good, and what myths and rumors about abs can be thrown out. Let’s begin with the most popular scenarios: 1. If You Train Abs Everyday, You're Guaranteed A Six-pack. This misconception was funneled through the bodybuilding world. Muscle tissue is muscle tissue. It needs to rest and recover just like your biceps or legs do. You would not do 100 barbell curls everyday to ‘see your biceps’ would you? Simple anatomy debunks this approach unless you are using some performance enhancing substances. Build the tissue through exercise, burn the fat through diet

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

3

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

2. You Can Eat Pizza And Hamburgers And Still Maintain A Six-pack As Long As You Workout Right After You Eat Them. This is another misconception. Following a diet, which contributes to muscle gaining and fat loss, is the key to uncovering those abdominal muscles. Go into your local fast food restaurant and look around - how many of people will you see that have an envious abdominal region? Odds are, none. 3. Sit-ups Build Abdominal Definition The Best. Sit-ups are perhaps the worst exercise for strengthening our core regions. There are many sources that contribute to this belief but just a few simple reasons why it is incorrect. During a sit-up your main trunk flexor, the Iliopsoas muscle, does most of the work. This over facilitation often leads to lumbar lordosis, better known as, back pain. Want sturdy hips and a sore back? Do sit-ups. 4. Crunches Build Abdominal Definition Best. Crunches are good but the last exercise we will do in our core-conditioning program. The overuse of crunch type exercises leads to a reduction in thoracic extension and contributes to bad posture. 5. People On Magazine Covers Are Born With Good Midsections. This misconception leads to many people trying to be like someone else. These models, men and women, are somewhat genetically gifted, sure. But many of them aren’t as healthy as they appear under their make-up and many others are also using drugs like clenbuterol and steroids. 6. You Should Do Twists With A Stick Or Side Bends To Reduce Love Handles. These exercises can be dangerous if not performed correctly. I recommend taking them out of your routine, as you'll see in the exercise section, until you know enough about the spine to benefit from them. To reduce love handles you simply need to lose the fat. Our coreconditioning program will contribute to toning the musculature in this area; however, fat loss is again, stimulated only through diet. 7. If You Do Sit-ups With Weights, Your Abs Will Show up Better. Doing sit-ups with additional weight leads to over strengthening the hip flexor muscles, not the upper abdominals. Want to walk around butt back and stomach forward? Neither do I. 8. It Takes Years To Get Great Abs. Again you have to understand that everyone has abdominal muscles. You just have to train them with exercises in the proper order, with correct form and reduce the fat surrounding them by dieting. For some this may take only a few weeks, for others, a little longer. Different body types develop at different rates. FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

4

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

9. Machines Work Best For Building Abdominal Muscles. This is a huge misconception. Isolating musculature incorrectly leads people down the road to becoming dysfunctional misfits! Machine training should be left to periods of rehabilitation only. Every body needs to move and function as one cohesive unit, not in isolated parts. When you sit on a machine, the machine stabilizes the body. Odds are you never learned to integrate other musculature with abdominal/core movements, which leads to injuries, by unbalancing the body. 10. Constantly Eating Rabbit Food is Needed to Maintain a Defined Midsection. Following a proper nutritional program designed for your goals is the only way to develop a defined midsection. I’ll talk more on this later. 11. Fat-Burn Supplements Will Tone My Abs. Fat burning supplements sure sound good but in my experience they cause more harm than good. Fat burning supplements do nothing to tone or strength your abdominal region. EAT RIGHT. 12. You Can Eat Foods Such As Cookies, Candy, and Cheese as Long as They're Fat-free Versions. The country it seems is on a fat free kick. Have you ever looked at the labels of fat-free foods? There is the word sugar and more sugar. When sugar is ingested into the body it secretes the hormone insulin. This hormone tries to regulate the blood sugar in the bloodstream. Just remember insulin is a fat-producing hormone. In addition to the massive amounts of refined sugar in these products, they also contain hydrogenated fats. 13. To Have Defined Abs, You Need to Keep Your Caloric Intake to No More Than 1,200 Calories Per Day. For the general rule is for Women to take in 1500 calories and men 2500 calories. Going below these marks sends your body into starvation mode. Starvation mode will conserve energy by slowing down your metabolism, hence destroying everything you are working to achieve. Therefore, eat! 14. You Should Count Calories. If you are anal about your caloric intake, count them. However, most of us can get by greatly without measuring a single calorie. See donlemmon.com If you ever have questions about the effectiveness of a particular diet or product, e-mail Don Lemmon directly at the following address: [email protected], he has a wonderful book titled “Know – How” The Truth about Nutrition and Exercise. Get yourself a copy! “Know – How” The Truth about Nutrition and Exercise.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

5

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Abdominal Exercises There are literally hundreds of exercises you can do for your core/abdominal region. The exercises selected should be dependent on your current physical ability, awareness, and condition. Out of all of the different muscle groups, abdominals have the biggest variety of exercises to choose from for good reasons. Its main function is to protect the body organs, spine, and pelvis and allow people to function at a higher level in their everyday life. Each person may view the abdominal /core region in a different capacity, however having a functional core leads to better stabilization, reduction of injuries, and a better looking athletic physique. Many of the indicated exercises have non-standardized names; however, some of these exercises are the accumulation of knowledge from many different sources listed at the back of the book. You may have seen the same exercise under a different name listed elsewhere. That's because exercise names [regardless of the muscle group] were never written in stone. I suggest you discuss beginning an abdominal exercise program with your physician or healthcare professional. Each exercise listed in this section has a purpose and develops muscular function throughout the entire body. Each exercise consists of photographs suggesting the proper form of an exercise, plus a written description of how the exercise to be done. Please read the entire description. Do not rely on the photographs alone. When you are exercising at home, make sure that you can concentrate on what you're doing. When you look at the photos and try to emulate the exercises being depicted, attend to the form of the exercise being demonstrated, not the demonstrators performance of the exercise. You may be able to achieve the more extreme position than the one demonstrated, or you may be less inclined to do the exercise as demonstrated. If you cannot carry out an exercise with proper form, stop at that point. ¾ NOTE: During all abdominal crunch exercises place your tongue on the roof of your mouth as if you were swallowing. This helps stabilize your cervical spine and head while doing abdominal work. 4 Point Transverses Abdominis Vacuum

Start Position

Finish Position

¾ This exercise is great for isolating the transverse abdominis and reconnecting with the nervous system. To correctly accomplish the exercise get on all fours as though you FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

6

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

were in a crawling position. Have your hands directly underneath your shoulders and your knees directly underneath your hips. With good neutral posture position (using a dowel rod placed on your back aligning the spine can provide good feedback of proper neutral posture) make sure the back of your head, thoracic spine (upper back) and sacrum (butt bone) are in contact with the rod. The lumbar spine should be arched just enough to slide the palm of your hand between your back and the dowel rode. Your primary objective is to inhale and allow the transverse abdominis to hang out towards the floor, on exhalation drawn the bellybutton towards the spine. Avoid any spinal movement during this exercise such as contracting the gluteus, hamstrings or external rotators. Horse Stance Vertical

Start Position

Finish Position

¾ The first part of the horse stance series is Horse Stance Vertical, which will integrate the spine stabilizer muscles of your spinal column with the other muscles of the inner unit (inner unit will be explained in the next chapter). To accomplish this exercise again get on all fours with your hands directly underneath your shoulders with your elbow slightly bent. Your knees should be directly underneath your hips at a 90-degree Angle. The exercise is then performed by raising your left hand and right knee approximately one cm off the ground (about the height of the piece of paper). Hold this position for 10 seconds and repeat with the right hand and left knee. Alternate back and forth until you have done the exercise for a total of two minutes. Make sure to not allow the hamstring to flex the lower legs toward the ceiling and that the pelvis does not load (shift) into the hip that is in contact with the ground. To assist you in this exercise use a kitchen timer and set it for two minutes.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

7

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Pelvic Tilt

Start Position ¾ Lie on your back on a comfortable surface. With your feet about 6-8 inches away from your gluteus maximus (bottom) contract the lower abdominals and gently press your lower back towards the floor. Try not to contract your rectus abdominis while doing this integration exercise; this is the muscle of your “six-pack.” This exercise can be very difficult at the beginning so have patients. You can also use a blood pressure cuff if you want good biofeedback. Place the cuff directly under your belly button and pump the blood pressure cuff up to 40-mm Hg. Take a deep diaphragmatic breath and slowly exhale and draw your belly button in toward your spine. Contract your lower abdominals so the blood pressure cuff reads 70-mm Hg’s. REMEMBER NO RETUS Heel Slides

Start Position

Extended Position

Finish Position

¾ Heel slides are a great integration exercise for the inner unit, lower abdominals and lower extremities (outer unit). To perform the exercise correctly lay supine (back down) on the floor with your shoes off. In this position with your hips and knees flexed (about eight inches from the buttocks) with your spine in neutral position. Place a blood pressure cuff under your lumbar spine. Pump the blood pressure cuff up to 40-mm Hg and take a deep diaphragmatic breath. Slowly exhale and draw your belly button in toward your spine. After exhalation slowly slide the left leg out away from the start position. No increase in blood pressure cuff is necessary. If the blood pressure cuff begins to increase or decrease stop the movement and slide the leg back to the beginning position. Make a note of the distance. The distance is now you're ending point. The goal is to extend your leg farther out without the blood pressure cuff changing. The farther you can go out, the better integration of the inner unit and outer FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

8

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

unit. Repeat for the opposite leg and try to achieve 10 reps at a slow pace for each leg. DO NOT RUSH THIS EXERCISE. Do this exercise daily until you can alternate sliding each leg in and out keeping the blood pressure cuff at 40 mm Hg. Lower Abdominal: Leg Lifts Alternate

¾ Lay down on your back on the floor exercise mat. With your feet about 6-8 inches away from your gluteus maximus (bottom) contract the lower abdominals and slowly lift one leg up until the knee is pointing towards the ceiling. Make sure to keep the lower abdominal tightened so your lower back does not arc. Gently lower legs back to the starting position. Lift the opposite leg and follow the above instructions. Alternate legs for desired amount of repetitions. Always pay close attention to your lower abdominals and do not let your rectus abdominis contract during this exercise. You can also use a blood pressure cuff if you want to have good biofeedback. Place the cuff directly under your belly button and pump the blood pressure cuff up to 40-mm Hg. Take a deep diaphragmatic breath and slowly exhale and draw your belly button in toward your spine. Contract your lower abdominals (like the pelvic tilt) so the blood pressure cuff reads 70-mm Hg. Slowly raise your knee up and down. Prone Alternating Arm and Leg

¾ Lie on your on your stomach on the floor or a comfortable exercise mat. Begin this exercise by lifting your opposite arm and leg. Contract and lift your right arm and your left leg simultaneously. Keep your head in neutral position (your cheekbones over your clavicle) and with good posture in good posture. Do not extend or flex your neck. Then repeat to the opposite side.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

9

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Lower Abdominal: Leg Cycle Alternate

¾ Lay down on your back on the floor exercise mat. With your feet about 6-8 inches away from your gluteus maximus (bottom) contract the lower abdominals and slowly lift one leg up until the knee is pointing towards the ceiling. Gradually extended your leg away from the body as if you were peddling a bicycle. Return the leg to the previous position and gently lower your foot to the floor. Always maintaining lower abdominal contraction. If you find this exercise difficult and you lose contraction of your lower abdominals as your leg is an extended note that distance. That is your starting distance point. This is the point by which your lower abdominal maintain stability. Only go to this point until you feel stronger and more stable. Then gradually worked up to a full-extended leg on each side. Make sure to keep the lower abdominal tightened so your low back does not arc. Gently lower legs back to the starting position. Lift the opposite leg and follow the above instructions. Alternate legs for desired amount of repetitions. Always pay close attention to your lower abdominals. Do not let your rectus abdominis do the work as a stabilizer. You can also use a blood pressure cuff if you want to have good biofeedback. Place the cuff directly under your belly button and pump the blood pressure cuff up to 40-mm Hg. Take a deep diaphragmatic breath and slowly exhale and draw your belly button in toward your spine. Contract your lower abdominals (like the pelvic tilt) so the blood pressure cuff reads 70-mm Hg. Transverse Abdomens Flat Tuck

¾ Lie on your stomach in a comfortable position. Gradually and gently draw your belly button in as deep toward your spine. Do not let any other muscles contract during this phase. Hold your belly button in toward your spine for the desired amount of time listed in the exercise prescription section.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

10

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Horse Stance Horizontal

¾ Horse stance horizontal is the middle child of the horse stance series. The horse stance horizontal increases the load on the spinal stabilizers (multifidus) of your spinal column. To accomplish this exercise, again get on all fours with your hands directly underneath your shoulders with your elbow slightly bent. Your knees should be directly underneath your hips at a 90-degree angle. Draw your belly button into your spine this again activates the transverse abdominis. Raise your left arm up so it is parallel to the floor and at a 45-degree angle out from your shoulder. At the same time you lift your right leg off the ground so it is to parallel to the ground. Hold this position for 10 seconds and repeat with the right hand and left knee. Alternate back and forth until you have done the exercise for a total of two minutes. To assist you in this exercise use a kitchen timer and set it for two minutes.

Horse Stance Alphabet ¾ Horse stance alphabet is the last child of the horse stance series. The horse stance alphabet integrates the spine stabilizers (multifidus) muscle of your spinal column with the transverse abdominis and other musculature. To accomplish this exercise again get on all fours with your hands directly underneath your shoulders with your elbow slightly bent. Your knees should be directly underneath your hips at a 90-degree angle. Draw your belly button in to your spine this again activates the transverse abdominis. Raise your left arm up so it is parallel to the floor and at a 45-degree angle out from your shoulder. At the same time you lift your right leg off the ground so it is to parallel to the ground. Hold your arm in a steady position while spelling the letters of the alphabet with you back foot. Yes, I said letters of the alphabet. Try to work up so you can do the entire alphabet with each leg. Alternate back and forth until you have done the exercise for a total of two minutes. To assist you in this exercise use a kitchen timer and set it for two minutes.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

11

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Cross Crunch

¾ Cross crunch is an exercise for the oblique muscular system. Lie on your back on a comfortable surface with your knees perpendicular to the floor and your hands at the side of your head. Gently (do not ever pull on your head to do any exercise) and gradually contract your oblique muscular system so your right elbow is pointing at your up a right knee. Do not pull your elbows together while executing this exercise. Return to the starting position and repeat for the other side. The alternating crunch primarily targets the oblique muscles, although each section of the abs is worked. NOTE: During all abdominal crunch exercises place your tongue on the roof of you mouth as if you were swallowing. This helps stabilize your cervical spine. Russian Twist: Bent Knees

¾ On a comfortable surface lie on your back. Elevate your legs up so your knees are pointing towards the ceiling. Place your arms out palms down at 90 degrees to your body. Gently lower your legs to the floor keeping them at a 90-degree angle to your trunk. Repeat to the left and to the right. You can also use a Swiss ball to aid in performing this exercise. Just place the Swiss ball under you calves and perform the exercise in the same manner.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

12

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Floor Crunch

¾ Trunk flexion or "crunch" sit-up is the most popular exercise for conditioning the abdominal region. However, if the crunch sit-up is not performed with additional abdominal exercises like the ones mentioned earlier it could have a detrimental effect on your body over time. When performed correctly the crunch is a good upper abdominal region strengthening exercise. If the crunch is overused it can lead to a more ridged thoracic spine. It also contributes to a shortened rectus abdominis, which in turn pulls the rib cage towards the pelvis resulting in poor postural alignment. This scenario leads to the inability to extend backward causing injury and poor posture. If you're a beginner of trunk flexion or crunch exercise, perform it lying on the floor. To perform the exercise correctly, maintain proper neutral posture in the cervical spine. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth preventing shear forces through your cervical spine. Keep the lower back pressed firmly against the floor throughout the exercise. Place arms across your chest. Move slowly contracting your rectus abdominis moving up one vertebra at a time. Keep tension in the abdominals at all times. Do not let your chin dropped to your chest. A good way to maintain neutral posture in the cervical spine is to pretend your chin is traveling towards the ceiling. Once you have reached full contraction slowly return to the start position. To increase the difficulty, place your arms out to the side with your fingertips on your cheekbones. Lower Abdominal : Leg Cycle Jointly

¾ The lower abdominal legs cycling exercise works to develop even more lower abdominal strength and coordination. Lie on your back on a comfortable surface. Contract your lower abdominals, in addition to your internal and external obliques, and gradually bring your legs up until your knees are pointing towards the ceiling. Gently cycle out your legs together until they are parallel to the floor. Then return both legs to the starting position and gently lower than back to the floor. Note: this exercise can be FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

13

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

extremely difficult so take precautions. You can use a blood pressure cuff if you want to have good biofeedback. Place the cuff directly under your belly button and pump it up to 40-mm Hg. Take a deep diaphragmatic breath and slowly exhale and draw your belly button in toward your spine. Contract your lower abdominals (like the pelvic tilt) so the blood pressure cuff reads 70-mm Hgs. Maintain good lumbar spine position. If you feel your back begin to arc as your legs go away from your body, or you lose more than 5 degrees of pressure on the cuff, stop at that point. This stopping point serves as a benchmark for your exercise routine. Over time you will be able to go farther out so do not fret. Your goal is to systematically extend your legs farther and farther out until you can perform this exercise in its entirety. Lower Abdominal: Feet to the Ceiling

¾ Lie on your back on a comfortable surface. Bring your legs up so your knees are pointing towards the ceiling. Extend your legs so your feet are pointing towards the ceiling. Gently contract your lower abdominals and internal and external obliques so you can raise your sacrum (tailbone) off the surface. Other options to increase the demand of this exercise are to bend your legs at the knees and only drop one leg down and keep the other up and try to perform the exercise in the same manner. Reverse Crunch on Floor

The reverse trunk flexion is a multi-joint movement designed to target the abdominal region. The exercise starts out with contraction of the lower abdominals and progresses to the upper rectus abdominis. The oblique musculature assists in stabilization of the pelvis during the movement.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

14

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

¾ Lie on a flat bench with your back flat, scapula, and sacrum pressed firmly against the bench. With your legs together, flex them to 90 degrees or perpendicular to the bench. Hold firmly to the top edge of the bench, a platform or stationary object will also work, to anchor the upper body down. Slowly proceed to contract the lower abdominal region by pulling the pelvis up towards the rib cage. Continue to pull the pelvis towards the rib cage until the abdominals are fully contracted and the hips are rolled up slightly off of the padded bench. Slowly lower the trunk and pelvis to the starting position. Repeat the exercise for the desired repetitions. Exercise notes: Keep your shoulder blades on the bench though out the exercise. Avoid any arching of your back at the lumbar region. Keep the tempo or movements slow and keep the upper body in proper neutral alignment. Make sure you only go down far enough to touch your sacrum keeping your thighs perpendicular to the floor. Russian Twist: Leg Straight

¾ Lie on your back on a comfortable surface. Bring your legs up so your knees are pointing towards the ceiling. Extend your legs so your feet are pointing towards the ceiling. Place your arms out palms down at 90 degrees to your body. Gently let your legs lower to the floor keeping your legs 90 degrees to your trunk. Repeat to the left and to the right. There are a few variations of this exercise. If you find it too hard just go back to the bent knee version until you have acquired the necessary strength and stability. You can also use a Swiss ball to aid in performing this exercise. Dumbbell Side Flexion

¾ To perform Dumbbell side flexion choose the weight that allow you to do the exercise with strict form but not too strenuous. Grasp the dumbbell in your right hand and draw in your belly button and lean to your right side. Slowly contract with the your left side FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

15

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

without rotating, flexing or extending your spine. Place dumbbell in the opposite hand and follow the above description for the opposite side. You can also use a cable system for this exercise. Forward Ball Roll (Swiss ball needed)

¾ Position your forearms just below the apex (top) of the ball. Gently draw your belly button into your spine to activate your transverses abdominis, which aids in stabilizing your pelvis and lumbar spine. Slowly roll out on the ball until you are fully extended. Make a special note of when your rectus abdominis starts to contract. This is your stabilization threshold, do not go out any farther. Make the note of this distance and use it as the benchmark for improvement. You will gradually be able to go all the way out and be in a fully extended position as you develop more stability, strength and coordination. Do not rush this exercise.

Prone Knee and Hip Flexion (Swiss ball needed)

Start Position

Middle position

Finish Position

¾ Lie belly down the top of a Swiss ball. Gradually walk yourself out until you have reached a push up position with your feet on the top of the ball. Gently draw your belly button into your spine to activate your transverses abdominis. Slowly draw your knees up into your chest and return. If you are having trouble shorten the lever arm or start with your knees on the ball instead of you feet.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

16

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Swiss Ball Crunch (Swiss ball needed)

¾ Gently sit on the Swiss ball in a comfortable position. Place your arms across your chest with the back of your head resting on the ball. Make sure that your tongue is on the roof of your mouth to stabilize your cervical spine. Gradually curl up so your rectus abdominis is fully contracted. To increase intensity place your fingertips of the side your head with your arms out to the side (a shown above)

Reverse Crunch on Bench

¾ Lie on a flat bench with your back flat, scapula, and sacrum pressed firmly against the bench. With your legs together, flex them to 90 degrees or perpendicular to the bench. Hold firmly to the top edge of the bench, a platform or stationary object will also work, to anchor the upper body down. Slowly proceed to contract the lower abdominal region by pulling the pelvis up towards the rib cage. Continue to pull the pelvis towards the rib cage until the abdominals are fully contracted and the hips are rolled up slightly off of the padded bench. Slowly lower the trunk and pelvis to the starting position. You can increase the intensity by increasing the angle of the bench.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

17

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Supine Hip Extension (Swiss ball needed)

¾ Sit on the Swiss ball and gradually roll out so your trunk is parallel to the floor and your head and upper back are comfortably resting on the ball. Gently drop your pelvis towards the floor in a controlled manner keeping your shinbone perpendicular to the ground at all times. Gradually return to start position squeezing your butt muscles at the top end of the movement.

Swiss Ball Side Flexion

¾ This is a great exercise for isolating the oblique muscles. It does demand dynamic stability because the ball is unstable so be careful. Sit on the ball in an upright position. Slowly twist your torso so you are positioned sideways across Swiss ball. Make sure your feet are well apart to give you a solid base. Maintain good posture and slowly curl up sideways until your oblique is fully contracted. Please be cautious with this exercise and do not allow your body in either flex forward or rotate.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

18

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Horizontal Woodchopper

¾ Woodchopper is one of the best of the exercise for integrating the oblique musculature into functional movement. There are many variations, as you'll see later in this chapter. To begin we start with the standard horizontal woodchopper. This will aid you in the familiarization with the movement pattern. To perform horizontal woodchoppers sit on a workout bench perpendicular to the weight stack and cable system. Grasp the cable handle with your right hand and place your left hand over your right. Draw your belly button into your spine gently and pull the cable handle across the front of your chest to the opposite side. Return to the starting position. Keep your body in good postural alignment; do not flex forward or sideways. Adjust the weight so you can accomplish this exercise with proper form. Repeat for the other side. Progression of this exercise can be performed while sitting on a Swiss ball, kneeling on the ground, standing, and then to dynamic movement. We will get more into the other options for the woodchopper later in this chapter.

Supine Lateral Ball Roll

¾ Supine lateral Ball roll is an excellent integrative exercise that will challenge anyone. To perform the supine lateral ball roll assumes a sitting position on the ball and gently roll out so your trunk is parallel to the floor. Your feet should be shoulder width apart. The ball should support your head and shoulders. Place a dowel rod across your chest and grip it with your palms up. Gradually slide your right shoulder blade off the ball keeping the dowel rod parallel to the floor and your hips in a neutral position (do not let them drop) slowly return to the middle position. Gently slide your left shoulder blade off the ball and hold for the allotted tempo. Repeat to each side for the desired number of repetitions. FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

19

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Core Twister on Swiss Ball

¾ Core twister is both a fun and challenging exercise. To perform the core twister walk yourself out until you are in a push up position with your feet position on the top of the ball. Draw your belly button into your spine to activate your transverse abdominis. Keeping your head and body in a neutral spinal position, slowly start to twist your lower body to the left and then to the right. Make sure that your body stays in a parallel position to the floor. Do not let your pelvis drop towards the floor. Bent Rows

¾ The bent row contributes to good strength and postural stabilization. This exercise also strengthens the shoulder girdle and effectively improves postural muscles such as hamstrings, glutes and all deep hip muscles, lower back, Latissimus dorsi spinal erectors, and core. To perform this exercise properly, maintain neutral spinal curves. Grip the barbells with a closed downward grip. Stand with feet wider than shoulder width and knees flexed at 30 degrees, which engages Iliotibial band. Your torso must maintain a 45-degree angle at all times. This starting position resembles a second baseman stance in baseball. Take a deep diaphragmatic breath drawing in the belly button. With the barbell at knee level gradually raise the barbells to the bottom of your sternum Your forearms should be perpendicular to the ground not allowing them to travel posteriorly as you raise the weight. Slowly return the weight to the starting position. Slow tempo aids with overall muscular integration and neurological conditioning. Work up to three sets.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

20

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Straight Arm Pull Downs

¾ To perform straight arm pull downs position your body in front of the high cable and weight stack machine. Place your hands on the bar palms down. Draw your belly button into your spine and slowly pull the bar down while maintaining straight arms. Do not use momentum to accomplish this exercise. Supine Hip Extension (one leg)

¾ Sit on the Swiss ball and gradually roll out so your trunk is parallel to the floor and your head and upper back are comfortably resting on the ball. Draw your belly button into your spine to activate transverse abdominis. Raise one leg up so it is parallel to the ground. Gently drop your pelvis towards the floor in a controlled manner keeping your FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

21

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

shinbone perpendicular to the ground at all times. Repeat for the opposite leg. I warn you in advance that this exercise will be very challenging so take your time. Gradually return to start position squeezing your buttocks at the top end of the movement. Lunge-Static and Dynamic

¾ The static and dynamic lunges are excellent interactive exercises for the core musculature and lower extremities. I chose these exercises because they are neurologically challenging to the entire body. To perform the static lunge (base level) place a dowel rod across your shoulder gripping it at shoulder width. Keep your elbows under your wrists, this aids in activation of the thoracic erectors and helps stabilize the core. Make sure your posture is upright with neutral spinal curves (no bending, shifting or leaning). Draw your belly button in and upward activating the inner unit. Slowly step forward with either leg until your shinbone is perpendicular to the floor. Once you have reached the lunge position with your upper body erect, allow your back leg to descend to the floor until your knee gently touches the floor making a special note to keep the shinbone on your lead leg perpendicular to the floor. Return slowly to the pre-descend position. Repeat lunge for eight to 10 repetitions with the same leg then repeat for the opposite leg. Slowly work up to three sets per leg. ¾ The dynamic lunge is similar to the static lunge except for you return to the standing position after each repetition. Alternate legs until you have built up enough strength and stabilization to perform eight to 10 repetitions for each leg. After you feel comfortable doing the dynamic lunge alternating, kick it up a notch and do the desired repetitions for one leg at a time. Special note about the lunge exercise DO NOT SHORT STEP. Short stepping the lunge is when the shinbone moves forward and the knee moves past the ankle joint. Short stepping indicates a quad dominant neurological system. For women this can spell disaster! Women have a much higher degree of quad dominance indicating muscular imbalance in the lower extremities. This imbalance could be one reason why women have more orthopedic knee problems.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

22

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Prone Bridge

¾ To perform the prone bridge, roll out on the Swiss ball until your shins are griping the ball and in a push up position. Make sure your body alignment is parallel to the floor. Draw your belly button into your spine. The first level is trying to lift one hand up off the ground while maintaining good form. This is very challenging so take your time. After this is mastered try to move your arm toward your hip in an arch fashion. Alternate between left and right arms for the amount of reps prescribed. Always maintain good form thought out the exercise. Woodchopper Standing

¾ Standing woodchopper is a more advanced version of the horizontal woodchopper. This more advance Woodchopper series is one of the best of the exercises for FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

23

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

integrating the oblique musculature into functional movement. There are many levels of progression with this exercise so feel free to progress as you can without jeopardizing good form. To perform the woodchopper exercise, stand perpendicular to the weight stack and cable system in an athletic stance. Use the top bottom pulley position or if you are using an adjustable cable system adjust the pulley to the top position. Grasp the cable handle with your right hand and place your left hand over your right. Draw your belly button into your spine gently rotate your torso and pull the cable handle down and across the front of your chest to a fully extended arm position on the opposite side near your right hip. Do not let your pelvis shift to the left or right. Then return to the starting position. Keep your body in good postural alignment and try not to flex forward or sideways. Adjust the weight so you can accomplish this exercise with proper form. Repeat for the other side. Reverse Woodchopper Standing

¾ Standing reverse woodchopper is a more advanced version of the horizontal woodchopper. This more advance woodchopper series is one of the best exercises for integrating the oblique musculature into functional movement. There many levels of progression with this exercise so feel free to progress as you can without jeopardizing good form. To perform the woodchopper exercise stand perpendicular to the weight stack and cable system in an athletic stance. Use the bottom pulley or if you are using an adjustable cable system adjust the pulley to the bottom position. Grasp the able handle with your right hand and place your left hand over your right. Draw your belly button into your spine gently rotate your torso and pull the cable handle up and across the front of your chest to a fully extended arm position on the opposite side. Return to the starting position. Keep your body in good postural alignment and do not flex forward or sideways. Adjust the weight so you can accomplish this exercise with proper form. Repeat for the other side.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

24

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Hanging Leg Raise

¾ This is an excellent exercise for the lower abdominals and hip flexor muscles. This exercise is demanding. Make sure that you have progressed through this series of exercises without any lower back pain and fully functional lower abdominal strength. Begin this exercise by hanging from a secure bar with your palms facing forward and shoulder width apart. Contract lower abdominals and hip flexors and position your thighs parallel to the ground. Never let your hips come out of this flexed position, unless you have been instructed to work on hip flexor integration due to a flat back posture. Gradually elevate your knees towards your chest by rotating your pelvis forward until your abdominal region is fully contracted. Slowly lower back to the starting position. Please keep in mind if you feel lower back pain stop the exercise. Woodchopper Dynamic ¾ Woodchopper dynamic is a more advanced version of the standing woodchopper. The only difference between standing woodchopper and dynamic woodchopper is shifting your center of gravity. This more advance woodchopper series is one of the best exercises for integrating more explosive power. To perform the woodchopper exercise, stand perpendicular to the weight stack and cable system in an athletic stance. Use the top bottom pulley position or if you are using an adjustable cable system adjust the pulley to the top position. Grasp the cable handle with your right hand and place your left hand over your right. Make sure your weight is shifted to your left or over your left hip. Draw your belly button into your spine. Rotate your torso and slowly shift your weight as you pull the cable handle down and across the front of your chest to a fully extended arm position on the opposite side near your right hip. Your weight should now be over your right side. Return to the starting position shifting back to the starting position. Keep your body in good postural alignment and try not to flex forward or sideways. You can do this exercise at a faster tempo and more explosive if you wish. Adjust the weight so you can accomplish this exercise with proper form. Repeat for the other side

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

25

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Reverse Woodchopper Dynamic ¾ Reverse woodchopper dynamic is a more advanced version of the reverse woodchopper. To perform the woodchopper exercise, stand perpendicular to the weight stack and cable system in an athletic stance. Use the bottom pulley or if you are using an adjustable cable system adjust the pulley to the bottom position. Grasp the cable handle with your right hand and place your left hand over your right. Make sure your weight is shifted to your left or over your left hip. Draw your belly button into your spine. Rotate your torso and slowly shift your weight as you pull the cable handle up and across the front of your chest to a fully extended arm position on the opposite side. Your weight should now be over your right side. Return to the starting position. Keep your body in good postural alignment and do not flex forward or sideways. Adjust the weight so you can accomplish this exercise with proper form. Repeat for the other side. Be cautious with this exercise if you have thoracic mobility problems. Front Squat

¾ The front squat is an excellent exercise for developing lower body strength while increasing the integration between the core and the lower extremities. It also places less of a load on the spinal column thus reducing the chance of injury. You can perform this exercise with only your body weight until you reach a point where you can do three sets of 25 reps and have no muscle soreness. To perform the front squat stand tall with you feet slightly wider then shoulder width. You can turn your toes out up to 30 degrees depending on your comfort. I recommend about 15 degrees. Put the dowel rod high on your shoulders as seen in the picture and place your hands with palms facing up at shoulder width . Gently draw your belly button in and initiate the movement from the hips not the knees. Slowly descend to the bottom position with your gluteus maximus (bottom) gently touching the back of your calves. If you cannot descend all the way down without going on the balls the your feet, only go as far as you can before your heels begin to rise. This is an indication of a range of motion restriction in your calves. To increase the intensity of the front squat, replace the dowel rod with a barbell or dumbbells.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

26

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Weight Crunch on Swiss Ball

¾ Gently sit on the Swiss ball in a comfortable position. Place a dumbbell on your chest and stabilize it by gripping it on the outside. Make sure that your tongue is on the roof of your mouth to stabilize your cervical spine. Gradually lower yourself to the lying position then curl up so your rectus abdominis is fully contracted. To stabilize your lower body, place some weighted dumbbells over your feet. This exercise can become difficult so a workout partner is a good idea. Reverse Crunch on Swiss Ball

¾ Lie on a Swiss ball with your back, scapula, and sacrum pressed against the ball. With your legs together, flex them to 90 degrees or perpendicular to the bench. Hold firmly to the top edge of the bench, a platform or stationary object may also be used, to anchor the upper body down. Slowly proceed to contract the lower abdominal region by pulling the pelvis up towards the rib cage. Continue to pull the pelvis towards the rib cage until the abdominals are fully contracted and the hips are rolled up slightly off the Swiss ball. Slowly lower the trunk and pelvis to the starting position. This is a challenging exercise so please be careful of you surroundings and make sure you check you Swiss ball for damage.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

27

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Single Arm Cable Push

¾ To perform this exercise, adjust a cable pulley column to shoulder height. Stand in a split stance with your back to the cable pulley machine. Grip a standard single hand handle with your elbow back parallel to the floor. Push the cable forward and across your body in the same motion as you would producing a punch.

Single Arm Cable Pull

¾ To perform this exercise, adjust a cable pulley column to shoulder height. Stand in a split stance facing the cable pulley machine. Grip a standard single hand handle with your arm fully extended and your opposite elbow back parallel to the floor. Pull the cable backward and rotate your torso.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

28

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Reverse Hyperextensions

¾ To perform the reverse hyperextension place a Swiss ball under your mid section for support. I advise you to anchor you feet against a door or another solid object. Once in the proper position gradually contract your back muscles and rise up until your body is straight in alignment. Keep good lumbar curve while doing this exercise. DO NOT LET IT ROUND OUT. The simple progression of this exercise is to start with your arms at your sides. After you can successfully do three sets with no muscle soreness you can move up the ladder by placing your arms across your chest then progress to the picture above with you fingers touching your check bones. Multi-Directional Lunge

¾ The multi-directional lunge is a great exercise for strengthening the hip joint and aiding in the stabilization of the core. To perform the exercise put a dowel rod on your back with your arms comfortably under the rod. There are five different movements involved FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

29

¾ in the multidirectional lunge. Always begin the movements by taking a deep breath and drawing in your belly button. As you return to the start position gradually release the air in your lungs. To begin with the first movement slowly step forward with your left leg making sure your shinbone is perpendicular to the ground and keeping your hips square. Gradually dip into the lunge position. Moving on to movement two from the start position forward lunge to your right at a 45-degree angle while keeping your head and hips square to the front. Slowly return to the start position. The third movement is a lateral lunge. To perform this movement step laterally to your right. Remember to keep your head, chest, and hips square to the front. Slowly drop down as far as you can and return to the start position. The forth movement involved in this exercise is the 45 degree backward lunge. From the start position look behind to get an idea where you are going to take a step. Perform the movement by stepping back at a 45-degree angle dipping the knee and then returning to the start position remembering to let the air out slowly. The final movement is a backward lunge performed by stepping backwards. It is the same as the forward lunge except you are stepping backward. You will find some of these positions difficult but stay with them and you will soon be doing all without too much trouble. If you are having trouble here are a few helpful hints: alternate legs, do fewer reps, slow the tempo, if you are having pain only go as far as you can. NOTE: I would recommend you looking into purchasing a quality Swiss ball. Although not needed for every exercise and pre-caution must be used while performing all exercises on a swiss ball. For info just [email protected] Swiss Ball – the Dura Ball Pro Increase balance, strength and refine performance. You can even use them at your desk as a chair! The Paul Chek anti-burst Swiss balls have been improved. Paul has been collaborating with an Australian manufacturer to develop the world’s best Swiss Ball. I recommend using the new, stronger and safer Dura Ball ProTM for all resistance training programs. The Dura Ball ProTM balls are university tested to the following limits: 45cm ball 55cm ball 65cm ball 75cm ball

2500lbs static load 2500lbs static load 2500lbs static load 2000lbs static load

burst proof up to 1000lbs burst proof up to 1000lbs burst proof up to 1000lbs burst proof up to 800lbs

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

To get yourself a Swiss ball: follow this link and order one based on your height.

Get Your Swiss Ball Here! Sizing a Swiss Ball for exercise: The ball should be firm and the exerciser’s thighs should be parallel to the floor when sitting on the ball. If your height is less than 5'2” you will need a 45cm ball 0100U Wt. 3 lbs. $30.00 If your height is 5'2” to 5’8" you will need a 55cm ball 0101U Wt. 3½ lbs. $35.00 If your height is 5’9" to 6’2" you will need a 65cm ball 0102U Wt. 3½ lbs. $40.00 If your height is 6’3" to 6’9" you will need a 75cm ball 0103U Wt. 4 lbs. $45.00

Sizing a Swiss Ball for use as a chair: Use one size larger than you would need for exercise, and inflate until your thighs are parallel to the floor. The ball will be soft and more comfortable to sit on.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

31

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Training the Abdominal Region Abdominal training over the years has been primarily focused solely on the rectus abdominis for the “six pack.” However, the core region of your body is more complex than just the rectus abdominis. A solid abdominal training and good look involves more than one muscle group. Your body was made to withstand many environmental conditions and the ability to stabilize your core muscles was vital. Our ancestors could not afford to have back pain. They needed to function on a basic level that involved moving rocks, building shelter, climbing mountains or running after food. If they had a bad back their likelihood of survival would have been deeply diminished. Our core muscles contribute to functional movement patterns and allow us to perform simple to complex tasks such as bending, walking, squatting, etc. Without a thorough understanding of what contributes to core stabilization and strength we fall prey to many of modern societies ailments. Lower back pain is the number one patient complaint in America. A core-conditioning program will decrease the likelihood of back and neck pain, incontinence, ruptured disks, muscles and ligamentous strains, while looking and feeling better. To fully understand how we can achieve the ultimate abdominal and core region we must first look at the functional anatomy and core stabilization mechanisms.

There are many muscles that make up the core region. The main muscles are located on the front, side, and back of our body. Some of the muscles are seen above: transverse abdominis, internal oblique, external oblique, and rectus abdominis. The other muscles involved include FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

32

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

the quadratus lumborum, diaphragm, erector spinae, multifidus, and the Latissimus dorsi. As you can see what allows us to bend forward, sideways, and backwards quite complex. You must approach the training of these muscles as a unit. You do not want to be carried away with over developing one particular muscular group. So the abdominal/core program and exercises are designed to appropriately address each of these areas. The core muscles are also aided by a few mechanical mechanisms that enhance functional movement and stability of the spine. They are the Intra-Abdominal Pressure Mechanism and the thoraco-lumbar Fascia Gain Mechanism. The thought behind the Intra-abdominal pressure mechanism is as you draw your belly button into your spine you push your body organs up into the diagrammatic area and down into the pelvic area. This creates a force and pressure, which aids in stability for your spine. Additionally as you use the Intra-abdominal pressure mechanism to aid in stability of the spine you also draw upon the thoraco-lumbar fascia gain mechanism. Again as you draw your belly button in you create tension or tightening of the fascia (this is the area on your body’s lower back that no muscle appears you can really see is on a lean person). This also aids in stability of your spine. For additional information about these mechanisms you can contact me at [email protected] Core Strengthening and Fat Lose As far as working out, your goal should be to perform your workouts on an empty stomach. At most, have a good protein meal feeding prior to training. But let it digest first. This will force your body to get its fuel from fat since its main source of fuel (carbohydrates) will be minimal. The warm up is important. You should begin all abdominal workouts with cardiovascular activity such as a stationary bike, treadmill, or elliptical machine. This is an important part of safety and maximizes the fat-burning process. Special attention should be paid to your spinal column in the warm up. Warming up the spinal column will reduce soreness and injuries. Cardio should be done at the beginning to warm up your body then after the abdominal workout another 10 minute session should be performed to burn additional calories and keep the fat burning cycle fired up. If you normally do not work out, you should start with about 10 minutes of cardio twice a week only. Gradually work your way up until you're performing up to 20 - 25 minutes of cardio comfortably (breathing easy). For example, perform 10 minutes of low impact cardio for about three weeks. Add five additional minutes to your cardio sessions every two weeks after that until you're at least able to perform 20 minutes of aerobic (i.e. using the heart) activity. Try to avoid hill levels on bikes and treadmills. It's a waste of time and won't really do any additional fat burning. Running is also "not" required or recommended on a treadmill or outdoors for the same reason. Instead, focus on gradually increasing walking speed or bike

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

33

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

resistance over the duration of the exercise. Cardio should not be strenuous. It should be extremely low impact and easy to perform. Going to muscular failure mentioned time and time again in the bodybuilding arena subjects you to overuse injuries and only adds a slight degree of improvement so be cautious when working the abdominal/core region. Muscle responds to resistance or stress. The abdominal muscles especially the rectus abdominis has specific neurological interventions. The abdominal region has eight nerve interventions into the surrounding muscles while the bicep only has one. This complexity leads to a slightly different approach. Depending again upon your current physical condition you must make the decision on how much is appropriate for your physical body. Sticking with the program is the most important part to developing a core region that many body builders and models possess. I have put together a control and stabilization plan plus many different levels of core workouts. Each workout effectively targets every major abdominal/core muscle group. These routines use the traditional one-after-the-other exercise technique with little rest between exercises. You can also put together your own routine using the exercises in this book. Just make sure you can do the exercises in proper form and never go to failure (muscular fatigue) like in bodybuilding. If you are working out other muscles groups in the same session always do core conditioning last. This prevents stabilizer fatigue and possible injury. Another way to develop your workout routine is by doing lower abs on day one, followed by obliques on training day two, and upper abs on day three. This way you do not exhaust each group at each workout. A basic example: Workout 1: Lower Body

Workout 2: Pushing

Workout 3: Pulling

Lunge Squats Leg Curls Leg extensions Lower abdominals

Bench Press Dumbbell Flies Military Press Triceps Extension Obliques

Chin Ups Bent Rows Back Extensions Bicep Curls Upper abdominals

This routine can be changed to what you desire, however, the basic idea is present. Before you go into abdominal/core conditioning you need to assess your current upper and lower abdominal strength. Here are two modified tests that you can complete with the aid of a mirror.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

34

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Lower abdominal strength test Lie on your back on the floor and place your hands palm down under your lower back. Lift your legs up so they are perpendicular to the floor. With your fingers under your lower back or lumbar spine simply roll your pelvis back so you are placing slight pressure on your fingers. Slowly begin to lower your legs toward the floor and note at which leg angle your back begins to arch. This is the point at which your lower abdominal can no longer stabilize your lumbar spine. Males should work to 100% and women to 80% just take a look at the picture above. NOTE: This Lower abdominal strength test should not be performed if you have any existing back pain. Upper abdominal strength test Lie on your back with you knee bent with you arms across you chest slowly raise you back off the floor. With out any addition muscles being used and absolutely no momentum. Keep you chin toward the ceiling and tongue on the roof of your mouth. If you cannot lift your back up off the floor, I suggest seeing your physician or physical therapist. This is an indication of additional orthopedic problems. DO NOT DO ANY OF THE EXERCISES IN THIS BOOK BEFORE YOU ARE CLEARED BY YOUR PHYSICAN. The exercises listed below follow a simple method. Each section has listed the following headlines: exercise, rest, Intensity, tempo, reps, and sets. Each variable has its place and need. To understand each variable here is a short description of each: Exercise: The exercise to be performed in the core routine. Each exercise is placed in order of execution. Rest: This is the period of time you rest between exercises or if given more then one set between sets of the same exercise. Min or sec can display the number. Intensity: This is the amount of workload or how hard you are going to work. (BW) indicates bodyweight. You will find out what intensity you should use with regard to amount of weight by FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

35

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

the repetition number. If you see –2 then this means stop two reps before your maximum effort. Lifting Speed or Tempo: This indicates speed of movement. The first number indicates the first movement of the exercise, the second number indicates isometric part of the exercise, and the third number indicates the final part of the exercise. For example: 323 simply means three seconds on the first movement, hold for two seconds, and three seconds on the final part of the movement. Also there are times where it will be displayed in 10-second hold (H) and 10-second rest. Plus there will be times when you see slow, medium, and fast. Reps: This is the amount of muscular action you do within a set. When you can complete more then the described amount of reps with no muscle soreness increase the weight by five percent. A – sign may be in front of some repetition suggestions in the exercise table. The – sign is indicates do not go to the maximum amount of reps. A – 2 simply means do not go all the way to 10 if the rep window is 8-10. Sets: This is the amount of workload for a given exercise sequence. For example: if you see a exercise that says sets 1-3 then begin with one set of the exercise. You can add sets as long as you have no muscle soreness at the next scheduled workout date. The following exercise routine would be performed after your five to eight minute cardio warm up session:

RULES TO TRAIN BY: ♦ Always train with perfect posture. ♦ Activate deep abdominal muscles by drawing in your belly button. ♦ Do not use a weight belt. ♦ Train muscle through a full range of motion. ♦ Avoid machine training for the core (they place you on a fixed path way and stabilize your body for you). ♦ When doing any crunch type exercise always keep you tongue on the roof of your mouth. Core Functional Stabilization and Control Exercises Abdominal/Core Level 1 Exercise

Intensity

Tempo

Reps

Sets

Horse Stance Vertical Pelvic tilt Heel slides 4 point transverseabdominis vacuum

Body weight Body weight Body weight Body weight

10 H - 10 R 10 H - 10 R varies 10 H - 10 R

12 12 10 L / R 15

2 min 2 min 2 min 3 min

Rest

This beginning abdominal/core routine lays a foundation for more advanced abdominal training. The above training program develops the inner unit, a set of muscles that are neurological linked (transverse abdominis, diaphragm, multifidus and pelvic floor), providing FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

36

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

joint stabilization and integration. If the “inner unit” does not activate properly your spine, pelvis, and joint structures are placed under undue stress. This stress creates an atmosphere, which leads to many orthopedic and spinal injuries. Good communication is necessary between all the musculature involved in core movements. The core muscles and spine stabilizers must be trained in the correct order. Lower abdominal then obliques and finish with upper abdominals. This level I core conditioning program should be performed daily for at least two to three weeks before advancing. I advise everyone to follow the above program to insure proper muscular communication, stabilization, and integration. This will prevent injuries from occurring as the programs increase in intensity. Also perform these exercises with perfect posture and form. One of the main considerations when training the core is to maintain muscular balance between the trunk flexors and trunk extenders. Abdominal/Core Level II Exercise

Intensity

Tempo

Reps

Sets

Rest

Day 1 and 4 Prone Alternating Arm and Leg Lower Abdominal: Leg Lifts Alternate Lower Abdominal: Leg Cycle Alternate Transverse Flat Vacuum

BW BW BW BW

15 H-10 R Slow Slow 30 H-10 R

10 each side 10 each leg 10 each leg 2-4

1-3 1-3 1-3 4 min

60s 60s 60s

Day 2 and 5 Russian Twist: With Swiss Ball Horse Stance Horizontal Cross Crunch Floor Crunch

BW BW BW BW

Slow 10 H Slow Slow

8-12 each side 10 each side 8-12 each side 8-12

1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3

60s 60s 60s 60s

BW BW

slow 202 313

8-12 8-12 each side 8-12

1-3 1-3 1-3

60s 60s 60s

BW BW BW BW

10 H 323 333 313

10 each side 8-12 8-12 8-12

2-3 2-3 1-3 1-3

60s 60s 60s 60s

Day 1 and 4 Supine Lateral Ball Roll Woodchopper Core Twister on Swiss Ball (prone) Reverse Crunch on Bench

BW -2 reps BW BW

1 sec holds 202 Slow to Mod 313

6-8 8-12 each side 8-12 each side 8-12

2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3

60s Horizontal 60s 60s 60s

Day 2 and 5 Lunge Prone Bridge Horse Stance Alphabet Swiss Ball Crunch

BW BW BW BW

212 202 Max each side 303

8-12 each side 8-12 each side slow 8-12

2-3 2-3 1-3 2-3

60s 60s 60s 60s

Abdominal/Core Level III Day 1 and 4 Russian Twist: Leg Straight Dumbbell Side Flexion Standing Reverse Crunch on Floor Day 2 and 5 Horse Stance Horizontal Prone Knee and Hip Flexion Forward Ball Roll Swiss Ball Crunch

Abdominal/Core Level IV

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

37

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Abdominal/Core level V Day 1and 4 Woodchopper Standing Bent Rows Reverse Crunch on Incline Bench

-2 -2 BW

202 333 313

8-12 each side 6-8 8-12

2-4 2-4 2-4

60s 60s 60s

Day 2 and 5 Hip Extensions on Swiss Ball (supine) Swiss Ball Side Flexion Straight Arm Pull Downs

BW BW -1

223 303 212

6-8 8-12 8-12

2-3 2-3 3-4

60s 60s 60s

-2 -2 -2 BW

202 303 202 313

8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12

2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4

60s 60s 60s 60s

BW

303

8-12

2-4

60s

BW

333 202

8-12 8-12

2-4 2-4

60s 60s

Abdominal/Core level VI Day 1 and 4 Reverse Woodchopper Standing Front Squat Single Arm Cable Pulls Reverse Crunch on Swiss ball Day 2 and 5 Supine Hip Extension (one leg) Supine Single Arm Dumbbell Press Reverse Hyperextension on Swiss Ball Cable Crunch

Abdominal/Core Level VII Day 1 and 4 Supine Lateral Ball Roll Multi Directional Lunge Woodchopper Dynamic Hanging Leg Raise

BW

2 sec holds

-2 BW

202 102

8-12 8-12

2-4 2-4

60s 60s

Day 2 and 5 Single Arm Cable Push Forward Ball Roll Weight Crunch on Swiss Ball Reverse Hyperextension on Swiss Ball (dynamic)

-2 BW -2 BW

202 333 202 202

8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12

2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4

60s 60s 60s 60s

That's it! There is no hidden secret to training abs! You don't need fancy TV or gym equipment! You can even perform most of these routines at home with the aid of the simple workout bench and Swiss ball. Some of these exercises do require some cable apparatus and can be accomplished with a light dumbbell. Since you have purchased this book you are free to email me any time for substitute exercises. Modify your routine as needed to prevent your body from adapting to the workout. Once your body is able to adapt to your workout, you won't get results. Therefore, it is extremely important to mix it up and switch your workouts around constantly. Do not neglect the power of this advanced training technique. This abdominal routine should take about 10 minutes to complete at the beginning stages. I have offered suggestions of the sound, solid core conditioning routine. You must ask yourself how much time you are willing to devote to flattening your abdominals. If you can only muster 5 FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

38

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

minutes a day then do 5 minutes a day. Make your training regiment work for you! Experiment with different training styles to find which method works the best for your body type. More Questions Question: Should I use weights while performing abdominal work so they will show up better? Answer: Yes you should use weights at particular times in your progression. There are many exercises that are executed with a weight stack or dumb bells. Remember abdominal muscles are the same as any other muscles such as your quads. However, I caution you about using excessive weight without proper form. When the exercise gets to the point where the form begins to break down it should be stopped. You are placing a large demand upon your body so those three extra reps can do you more harm than good. Question: Should I sit in the sauna to lose some extra weight around my abs? Answer: I'll admit . . . After years of being a highly successful wrestler (not professional, but real) you will lose weight by sitting in a sauna, but only temporarily. Any weight lost in the sauna is only water weight, which means it will naturally replenish itself the next time you have a drink. I suggest a sauna for recuperation ability after a workout and on your days off. Make sure to drink plenty of mineral water to replenish you fluid intake. Remember you should drink half your body weight in ounces each day. Question: How often should I train my abs? Answer: You should train your abdominal region and core just like any other muscle group. It needs time to recover and repair. You would not do 100 biceps curls and the next day to another hundred. Follow the above advice and always train the lower abdominals first, followed by the obliques, and then finish with the upper abdominals. No more than 4 light sessions a week. Question: Is there any type of abdominal training equipment I should use? Answer: In my opinion, the best and most basic piece of equipment is a Swiss ball and maybe a soft exercise mat to protect your back. Anything sold on an infomercial or any high-end, hundred-dollar abdominal exercise machine is a waste. They offer no additional benefit. Some may offer more convenience, but no additional results. Tip: Try performing abdominal exercises such as crunches and leg lifts on your bed. The softness of a mattress allows the best lower back protection. It works! And if you're having lower back problems try placing a folded towel the thickness of your hand underneath your lumbar spine. Question: What's the best time of day to train abs? Answer: The best time of day to train abs is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach after a good to warm-up. This is when glycogen stores (carbohydrate) or blood sugar levels are at

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

39

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

their lowest availability. They're low because a substantial amount of them are burned overnight during sleep. Workout energy usually comes from muscle carbohydrates previously eaten earlier in the day. On an empty stomach, the body is forced to use fat as an energy source. This is why the morning hour is the best time to train the midsection. If you decide to train in the afternoon, try to ensure you have gone at least two hours without food. For maximum results, you want to have the lowest amount of carbs present in your body at the time you workout. By restricting your carbs or energy intake, you give your body only one alternate source to go for energy . . . fat. Question: What are the three best abdominal exercises? Answer: Just follow the recommendation of training and gaining coordination and communication to the lower abdominals first this allows for pelvic stability while increasing the intensity loads My Take On Supplementation Question: How about fat burn and weight loss supplements? Do they work? Answer: The answer to this question is yes and no. All fat-burn supplements are basically the same. If you mean Don Lemmon’s Multi Nutrient that has a special combination of vitamins and minerals that burn fat without caffeine and stimulants, that works. If you mean something that tears your system down for an outward benefit, NO. For the records, the sole purpose of a fat burner is to help increase the metabolism. I guarantee you each fat burner will contain at least one or more of the following ingredients: CAFFEINE I didn't think there was a need to go into what caffeine is and how it works. Caffeine is by far the most popular energy and fat burn supplement on the market. Sources of caffeine include soda, coffee, chocolate. It does NOT burn fat, it simply races your heart. GUARANA Guarana is really just another name for caffeine. It has also been shown to help treat diarrhea, decrease fatigue, curb the appetite, and help with arthritis pain. Guarana also helps to reduce hangovers from alcohol abuse and headaches during menstruation. See above. ASPIRIN Aspirin in fat burners is used to thin out the blood, making the effects of herbs and additional ingredients more potent. It will more than likely be listed as white willow bark or extract. White willow is actually what aspirin is derived from. Aspirin rots the lining of your belly.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

40

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

L-CARNITINE The amino acid L-carnitine is used (and needed) to release energy from fat. Research shows that individuals who supplement with L-carnitine while engaging in an exercise regiment are less likely to experience muscle soreness. You may see a label that has "acetyl" L-carnitine. This version of L-carnitine does basically the same thing as regular L-carnitine; metabolize food into energy. Don't let these findings urge you to go out and buy a bottle of pure L-carnitine because it isn't effective as the studies show! You need 20 grams a day for real results! VITAMIN B6 Vitamin B6 (aka Pyridoxine) in a fat burn supplement is used to process amino acids, the building blocks of protein. It also plays an important role in the regulation of the mental process and mood, and acts as a natural diuretic. Doesn’t work without all other B-complexes. CHROMIUM PICOLINATE Chromium picolinate is an essential trace mineral that helps the body maintain normal blood sugar levels. Chromium has been shown to increase HDL (High Density Lipids, good cholesterol), while lowering LDL (Low Density Lipids, bad cholesterol). However, it is chromium poly-nicotinate that actually stimulates a fat burning process. MA HUANG The purpose of ma huang in a fat burner is to increase energy. The effects are similar to that of caffeine, but more potent. It stimulates the central nervous system, dilates the bronchial tubes, elevates blood pressure, and increases the heart rate. See caffeine. CITRUS EXTRACT Some weight loss formulas may also contain appetite suppressants such as Citrintm or Citrimaxtm. You may find it listed under a different name, but the "citri" prefix is what you're looking for. The citrus extract [hydroxy citric acid (HCA)] is a chemical derived from fruits. It's supposed to help curb the appetite. Some fat loss supplements contain herbal diuretics. This is to help rid excess water weight. Natural herbal diuretics include uva ursi leaves, buchu leaves, goldenseal root or extract, and juniper berries to name a few. It is one of the biggest scams around. Eat an orange.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

41

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

My take on supplements: I believe that most supplements in their "original" form do work and can be a tremendous asset . . . The problem is that what you can buy in stores is only the "diluted" version of the real thing. For example, fat-burn supplements and lean muscle mass supplements in their original form (i.e. pharmaceutical grade) I believe are extremely effective. To be up front with you, Don Lemmon's Multi Nutrient and Lemmon's Oil have no comparisons as far as quality, processing, nature, etc. when it comes to vitamins, mineral and essential fatty acid supplements. Take a look here fit-zone.com When “researchers” perform before and after result studies, I believe them to often times be true. Often times, the dosages used in experimental studies are an extremely high and concentrated version of the supplement. It may even come in the form of injection. All of which are usually doctor prescribed and closely monitored. The problem is that they use these study results to sell a watered down version of the supplement in magazines, stores, and on TV. That's where the problem is. Bottom line: You don't really need fat-burn supplements or any other kind of supplement if you diet properly. They can be misleading. What I don't like in particular is the word "fat burn." Fat burners burn very little fat. They're supposed to speed up the metabolism, which should ultimately burn fat. They do, but never long enough for anything to really happen. After taking them, you may feel a 15- to 30-minute allergic-like reaction or rush, and that's it. To truly burn fat, you must increase the body's metabolism over the course of an entire day. The worst mistake you can make is to assume fat-burn supplements are magic pills. They're not magic bullets! You mostly notice increased energy when you first take a fat burner. But continual use of fat-burn supplements will cause your body to become immune to them. Fat burners become less effective the more you take them. The body will begin to adapt to the effects. You'll more than likely notice the wearing down effect within weeks after using a fat burner. Take a look at The Know How Nutritional Manual Taking excessive amounts of high caffeine and ephedrine pills can cause harmful side effects. They can damage the stomach lining, kidneys, and the entire nervous system by causing uncontrollable shaking and jitters. That's why almost every fat burner has the natural diuretic vitamin B6. It helps rid the body of potentially harmful and side effect-causing herbs. If you drink a cup of coffee and it makes you tired, your system is telling you “enough is enough” and you need a break. Your adrenal system is fried.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

42

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Supplement Questions Question: I saw an infomercial advertising a caffeine-free fat burner. Is this possible? Answer: For the record, nothing on an infomercial is worth the money. What companies do when they make a caffeine-free claim is use a derivative (or extract) of caffeine known as ma hang. Technically it's not the same thing as caffeine but has the same potential effects on the body. Sometimes you may see "Contains No Ephedrine" or "Ephedrine-Free" claims. Ephedrine is an extremely powerful alkaloid that naturally speeds up the heart rate. The end result is a higher metabolism. Ephedrine is also used to treat asthma (i.e. inhalers), acting as a bronchodilator, and has been known to cause deaths when taken in excess. A bronchodilator opens air passages, which helps you to breathe deeper. Now, don't let this information scare you. Most ephedrine-related deaths are a result of stupidity. For example, someone taking too many ephedrine pills once they find out they "really" work. When the "ephedrine-free" hook is used, supplement companies just use an alternative metabolism booster such as caffeine or ginseng, or a combination of the two. By the way, the "ephedrine-free" hook is only used to boost sales. It's a marketing strategy. Note: You may find ephedrine listed as ma huang. They are derivatives of each other. Each has the same effects on the body. If you decide to use fat burners, it's best to use a quality, trusted brand name fat burner. Please take all fat burn supplements in moderation. It may be best to take fat-burn supplements for two or three weeks at a time with a two-week lay off. During the two-week lay off, drink only water to clean the system. Tip: If you've never used a fat burner, consider starting with only half the recommendation on the back of the supplement bottle, then work your way up to normal recommendations. For example, if a bottle says, "For best results, take four capsules four times daily." This can be dangerous to someone who weighs 110 pounds. It may be too much to start out. Instead, take one or two capsules per day, see how you feel, then begin to work your way up to normal recommendations. PROTEIN Another supplement that can be beneficial in an abdominal training regiment is protein. For some people, this supplement may not work. Even though it's pure protein, it can still cause you to gain weight in some cases. Ultimately, it will come down to individual body type. This supplement is mainly recommended for people with high metabolisms who wish to build lean muscle mass. If your goal is to trim down your midsection, it's probably in your best interest not to take a separate protein supplement but to eat real food.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

43

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

The only protein powder on the market I would ever recommend is Pure Whey Protein from Dr. Fred Hatfield’s Pro Power Supplement Web Site. HERBAL LAXATIVES Herbal laxatives are used to loosen bowels and ease constipation as the result of low dietary fiber or a lack of proper fluids. They can be found in many different forms, usually in pill or tea form. You can find them in almost all health food stores. Most herbal laxatives are a combination of digestive enzymes and herbs. One of the most commonly used is the senna leaf. Herbal laxatives are by far the easiest way to lose weight, but also the most dangerous. What people fail to realize is that they jeopardize themselves when they take them in excess. They risk the possibility of an electrolyte imbalance, weakness, dehydration, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, and even death. They lose the essential ingredients needed to function properly on a daily basis. Bottom line: Herbal laxatives are dangerous when taken for the sole purpose of losing weight. They can kill you! Also, most herbal remedies and natural supplements have not been tested by a nationally recognized, credible organization, which is why many companies put exaggerated claims on their bottle labels. Question: How about the all-natural chitosan supplement I saw on TV? Does this stuff work? Answer: Chitosan is supposed to act as an insoluble dietary fiber. As a weight loss product, it's supposed to bind with fat and eliminate itself from the body. The fat is supposed to go through your system without ever being absorbed, which should ultimately enable you to burn more stored fat as energy and lose weight. Retailers of chitosan claim that when you take it with meals, it's as if the fats were never consumed. In addition to weight loss, chitosan has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, while boosting HDL cholesterol. Chitosan is definitely another hyped-up supplement. Even though doctors and experts advertise chitosan on TV, it still doesn't work as effective as they claim it does. There are no successful studies on humans. And mixing oil and fiber in water is not the same as mixing it in your belly. Question: Are supplements FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved, and is there a place where I can go to find out if a particular supplement is approved? Answer: Most supplements are not FDA approved; in particular the newer ones. Supplement companies do not have to register with the FDA or get FDA approval before selling supplements. The manufacturer is supposed to make sure that information on the outer label is truthful and not misleading. Supplement companies are also responsible for making sure that all of the dietary ingredients in the supplements are safe.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

44

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

The FDA does not" keep a list of manufacturers or supplements that are currently out on the market. If you want specific information about a particular product, your only option is to contact the manufacturer directly. Popular Products Yes, there are more scams and secrets that must be revealed. My next topic has to do with "spot reducing." For the record, there is no such thing as spot reducing. This concept was thought possible a long time ago by scientists and doctors. It's definitely a thing of the past because it doesn’t work. The idea behind spot reducing is to lose fat around specific areas of the body. For women, this specific area is usually the thighs, hips, and buttocks. For men, it's the abs. Ever since the spot-reducing concept came on the scene, there have been several companies who have tried to develop spot reducing products. These products include everything from massagers to suits and belts. From herbal rubs to creams and sprays. BELTS We'll start with the spot-reducing belt first. The belt is approximately eight to 10 inches high, yet long enough to fit around anyone's waist, even if they're overweight (because of its elasticity). It's usually some type of "solar" style belt. The claim is that you will lose inches after wearing the belt. In defense of this belt, you can lose inches. Yes, I admitted that it worked! What they don't tell you is that it will only make you sweat, not burn fat. Sweating is what causes you to lose inches. But the water you lose will replenish itself soon after. There's actually no fat burning with this type of product whatsoever. I tried one of these belts to ensure what I'm telling you is accurate. The belt is rather comfortable. It's made of neoprene material. I worked out with it. When I was finished with my workout, I took it off to see what my new set of abs looked like. All I noticed was a slimy, whitish gray film of sweat that lined my abs. SUITS The suit involves the same concept only it's in the form of a full-body jumpsuit. The claim is that when your body hits a certain temperature in the suit, you burn fat. Not so! Again, you will lose weight and inches. But it's not fat you're burning, it’s water you're sweating. Water loss is only temporary. Any weight you lose as a result of wearing a product like this will soon naturally replenish itself. Herbal Rubs Herbal rubs are supposed to be rubbed directly on the problem area, usually about three times per day in conjunction with a fitness program. I have yet to see this stuff work.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

45

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

I checked the ingredients of one of these products to see what the contents were. It was very similar to lotion in appearance. It did have some of the herbs you find in fat burners, but it didn't give the amount of each herb. Who knows what's really in these things? How do you get an herb to sink into the pores of your skin? They do have doctor prescribed "steroids" that can perform this task, but stay away from all "target area" rub-on products, or anything that specifically targets a certain area of the body. Question: What about the Torso Track or Ab Slide? Do they work? Answer: My honest opinion is that these products will work, but aren't needed. They make exercise easier and that makes the benefits diminished. Do a forward ball roll and you are basically performing the same exercise and getting more bang for your buck. I've seen almost every fitness infomercial product. What I noticed with each was that they had already been invented. Most of the infomercials advertised improved or slightly different products, which were already on the market under a different name. For example, the abdominal wheel has been around for years. A single abdominal wheel goes for about $8 new. It provides the same range of motion as the "three easy payments of $29.99" products do. Also, what I noticed was that each of these products could easily be made yourself with items you already have in your house or can buy in a hardware store for pennies. If you take note of each infomercial abdominal product, you'll see how each is made to make an already existing exercise "easier." To me, this translates to "no results." As stated before, the abdominal muscles respond to constant resistance [using natural body weight] over an extended period of time. They're basically taking the "mandatory" resistance factor out of the picture and saying, "You can still get results!" Not so, my friend. What I also noticed was the strategy used to sell infomercial products: "Get defined abs in only three weeks, guaranteed!" Or "Lose 20 pounds in two weeks or your money back!" Any time they make a claim this bold; they're telling you only half the truth. It's impossible to predict the success of each person that uses a particular product. For example, my results are going to be different than yours because our bodies are different. For the record, "fat" is the only reason why abdominal muscles become non-visible. You can perform 200,000 sit-ups a day, but they will never appear as long as fat is what hides the abdominal muscles. The makers of abdominal infomercials know this because almost every product will include a diet program. Or you may see in small print at the bottom of the TV screen, "Ultimate success comes as a result of a healthy diet. Individual results may vary."

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

46

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Question: I'm thinking about buying those Kick Boxing videos. I would like to get your opinion before I do. Answer: I would advise looking for a top of the line personal trainer. These Video’s use a strategy that combines aerobics, Tae Kwon-Do, and kickboxing performed at an upbeat tempo. For the record, they can work but in the short term and can lead to many over use injuries. These videos do not promote "consistency over an extended period of time." The same applies for almost all exercise videotapes. They only provide a "short-term" benefit to the consumer. Basic cardiovascular activity such as riding on a stationary bike, walking on a treadmill or an elliptical machine burns as much fat and is as effective as any exercise video out on the market, and you're still doing less work! Low impact aerobics is much better and safer than taking your heart rate on an almost anaerobic roller coaster ride with these martial arts videos. Ride a bike for 20 minutes 3 days a week and leave the worries behind. Question: I saw an infomercial advertising supplements that are called Fat Neutralizer. Does this work? Answer: Impossible! I have send these infomercials and I’m here to tell you they are not worth anything. Fat Neutralizer supposedly "eliminates fat from your diet." For example, if you want a piece of cake, you just take a Fat Neutralizer pill before you eat the cake and it's supposed to be almost the equivalent of eating a piece of lean chicken breast. Give me a break! TAKE SOME FIBER AND SAVE THE MONEY! I personally haven't seen the ingredients in any of these so-called Fat Neutralizers, but there is absolutely nothing out on the market that's 100% natural, which "eliminates fat from your diet" and make cake the equivalent of a chicken breast. If this product worked so well, why isn't everyone taking it?

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

47

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Top 15 Abdominal Secrets 1. Cut Calories Cutting calories is the key to maintaining a trim midsection. When you drop caloric intake your body is forced to burn fat all over, not just in one area. This doesn't mean starve, it means drop the junk. 2. Eat at Least Five to Six Small Meals Per Day Small meals eaten frequently helps to keep your metabolism high, allowing you to burn fat, even while you sleep. 3. Reduce Carbohydrate Intake At Night Since the majority of carbs consumed are complex (slow release), tapering them off toward the end of the day will minimize the possibility of carb-to-fat turnover. 4. Eat a Healthy Serving of Fiber with Meals Fiber helps with the digestion of protein, carbs, and fat. It is key to burning the sugar from carbs and makes muscles leaner. Adding fiber to your diet is one of the best things you can do. Also, anything containing fiber is usually going to be low in calories (i.e. vegetables). Get as much of this stuff as you possibly can. 5. Drink Plenty of Water Water contains no calories and can be used as an appetite suppressant. Water also aids in the metabolism of stored fat. It helps to keep sodium levels down and regulates vitamins and minerals. Consume at least ½ your body weight in ounces. 6. Moderate Sodium Intake High sodium means high water retention. This really happens when you are dehydrated. If you are dehydrated and your sodium intake is high, it can actually cause you to gain weight in addition to many other ailments such as high blood pressure. I recommend staying away from table salt altogether and using natural salt like sea salt. Also try not to add additional sodium to foods. When possible, eat plain. Keep sodium low to prevent excess water retention and weight gain. 7. Lower Fat Intake This is the one rule everyone seems to know, but can't seem to abide by. It's also the rule nobody wants to hear. I don't think I need to go into this one much. Good fat such as Don Lemmon’s essential fatty acids along with olive oil is great for fat loss. Other fats just make you fat. 8. Limit Late Night Bingeing Late night junk food eating is one of the best ways to gain weight. This is due to the body being non-active. Calories aren't being burned they're being stored. 9. Prepare Your Own Food

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

48

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Eating "low-fat" food from fast food restaurants may not be good for the following reasons: (1) Most make false or half the truth claims on calorie info. (2) The consumer doesn't really know how the meal was prepared (fried, baked, grilled, etc.) or which ingredients were added (fat, sugar, genetically produced, etc.) that could possibly produce more fat around the abs. For example, some foods may not be made with fat, but they may contain fat-producing oils, which can contribute to fat buildup. And breaded fish or meat is not acceptable. 10. Don't Binge This is probably the most commonly made mistake by people wanting to trim their midsection. They go on a diet, get good results, and then feel the need to treat themselves because of their progress. Treating yourself is okay, but don't overdo it. 11. Never skip meals This is an easy one to do for most people. If I skip this meal then I’m ahead right? WRONG! Skipping meals slows your metabolism and contributes to fat storage. The exact opposite of your goal! 12. Exercise daily This is a no brainer! Just find something you like and do it everyday! 13. Eat Organic I say this because I’m a firm believe in organic food. It will serve your body well to go organic as much as possible. E-mail me for more information [email protected] 14. Avoid deep fried foods As I have stated though out this book - good fats are good for you and aid your health, bad fats are bad and deep frying is bad! 15. Get enough sleep Being sleep deprived will only circumvent your progress. Get 8 hours and you will feel much better. If you would like more information on sleep and what it can benefit you e-mail [email protected] There are several ways to enjoy eating healthy. You don't have to diet, but you do have to use diet modification. This process involves eating what you normally eat, but making simple and healthy modifications to it. You have to enjoy life. Tip: If you ever decide to eat any type of food that's high in fat or carbs, try to eat it early in the day (around 11:00 am is ideal). Your goal is to minimize your body's ability to turn excess calories into fat (this is an entire books worth of information). Most people are active (i.e. moving around) early in the day.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

49

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Being Realistic Question: What's realistic? How long should it take to get a decent set of abs? Answer: The answer to this question is weeks. Some can get them in two weeks, some in 12 weeks. Everyone is different. Techniques that work for me may not work for you. So don't let anyone tell you about a "six-week abdominal guarantee" program. It's a scam! There's no way anyone can pinpoint a specific amount of weeks to achieve results in, let alone guarantee it because everyone is different. Try not to worry about seeing a six-pack or a significant drop in weight from the start. The adjustment of body fat and muscle when read by a weighing scale can sometimes be misleading. Instead, monitor the "inches" you lose. This is the best way to determine if your plan is working. Looking for a six-pack from the start can cause you to get discouraged and lose hope, because it won't happen overnight. Once you begin working toward your goal with techniques such as diet modification and cardiovascular activity, you should instantly notice results. You may not see a six-pack within a week, but you will notice that your pants don't fit as they used to. This is what you should be looking for. Question: How does the guy on the magazine cover maintain his set of killer abs? Answer: Often times, the people you see on magazines have normal body types. Meaning on any given day, they won't have a visible abdominal muscle in sight. Some are naturally defined and muscular. The secret is in their ability to diet down within a matter of weeks to get ready for a photo shoot. Most of them use the same techniques many bodybuilders use; only they take it to the extreme. They cut and manipulate calories, eliminate sodium, and drink nothing but water. Some of them even starve themselves. They can do this because they only need to maintain their peak, photoready condition temporarily. Sometimes the guy you see on the magazine cover isn't the guy you see on the magazine cover. Huh? Yes, they now have computers. All they need is a good-looking face. They can take inches off of a waistline and add shadow definition to a midsection. I regularly get emails that contain photo attachments with success stories. Every now and then, the sender will apologize for sending poor quality photos, but I actually prefer these photos. Original, cheap, store bought cameras tell the truth! These photos are hard to doctor because of the low quality. High quality magazine style photos can be altered, which to the naked eye, you can't tell if they have been or not. On that note, if you ever have a success story please let me know. I really enjoy and value testimonials and success stories. Your feedback is like my report card. FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

50

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

The Truth About Abs I'll be honest . . . the average person doesn't possess the patience required to maintain a great set of abs. They lack the discipline and determination needed to achieve their goal. Many people go on "quick fix" fad diets in an effort to reduce their midsection. These fad diets are usually highly effective, and do as they're supposed to do. The problems begin the minute you go back to old eating habits. Going back to old eating habits results in a rebound effect. This rebound happens every time you diet, then go off of the diet. Each time you rebound, you gain more and more. The only way to permanently maintain quality abdominal muscles is to get serious and actually change your lifestyle. Motivate yourself! Diets don't work . . . lifestyle changes are what work. There are no quick fixes. You can get a skin fold or liposuction, but they also are only temporary fixes. The fat will replenish itself eventually. Even then, you still have to change the way you live, as far as eating and maintaining good health are concerned. You don't really have to eat healthy or make special arrangements to wake up at 4:00am to train . . . and don't waste time counting meal calories, or using a crazy point system. That's no way to live. You don't have to make drastic lifestyle changes. It can be something as simple as switching from soda to juice. It's easy! Remember: The true secret to obtaining great abs is mainly in the diet. You can have the best abs in the world, but if fat covers the underlying abdominal muscles, they'll never have visibility. Fitness Related Questions Question: How do I determine my BMR (basic metabolic rate)? I am 5'10", 22 years old, and 180 pounds. With those same figures as above, what should my calorie intake be? Answer: BMR calculates your daily caloric needs. I traditionally don't recommend the use of "formulas" to calculate how many nutrients needed per day. Reason? Lets' be realistic . . . most won't use it and it's too inconvenient. I purposely exclude formulas from everything I write. I don't feel you should have to do math problems to determine what you should eat. Chances are, the formula results will yield a number of calories you're already very close to consuming on a daily basis. Another reason I don't recommend calorie-per-day calculators or body mass calculators is because they're not always accurate. For example, a BMR will show an incorrect reading if the test is being done on a bodybuilder, wrestler, or football player with extremely low body fat levels. The BMR cannot distinguish between fat and lean muscle mass. With that said, ideally, someone of your stature would require approximately 3,000 to 4,000 calories per day, depending on what you're goal is. If you have weight to spare, keep calorie intake toward the low end (3,000). If you want to increase your size, eat 4,000 plus calories. If you're wondering how much you should eat in one meal setting, it should be just enough to FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

51

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

carry you over to the next meal, assuming you want to maximize the fat-burning process. If it's size you're going for, you may have to temporarily sacrifice your lean condition and increase your caloric intake. Question: I understand that diet is the most important aspect of ab development. I also know your opinion of ab machines in general. I would like to hear your opinion of the AB-DOer specifically. I know these products are all grossly overpriced. I have had some problems with my back, which has caused me to give up squatting and make some ab exercises uncomfortable. Do you think the AB-DOer could have some merit for someone in my circumstance? Answer: To answer your question, the answer is yes and no; but I'm definitely leaning more toward the no. Here's why: Typically, any machine that involves gripping handles out to the side for support aren't good because once you begin to get tired, your body will naturally have a tendency to use the arms to force the abdominal motion, taking the abs out of the picture almost completely. I've tested similar gym equipment, which use handles in almost the same position as the ABDOer, but never the AB-DOer specifically. It shouldn't differ that much. Even though you're sitting upright using the AB-DOer, it still uses almost the exact same range of motion as the abdominal crunch. For example, if you were to turn this product clockwise, you would clearly be able to see this. I understand the AB-DOer uses a circular rotating motion, but 50 percent of that exercise doesn't even incorporate abdominal muscles. The other 50 percent uses the lower back muscles. Now, a product like this may feel better on your back (regarding my yes answer), but I doubt it. Here's a self-test you can try: Sit in a chair with your back pressed against the chair's back. Pretend to have your arms out to the side, just as the AB-DOer displays. Now contract and crunch your abs . . .You probably felt a slight lower back strain because the body is naturally designed to slouch down when you try to crunch the abs from an upright position. This lower back strain can actually feel more acute if you add the resistance of the AB-DOer. There's one exception to the rule: Sometimes, gym abdominal equipment will have the same range of motion as the AB-DOer, using weights, but no hand grips. The difference is the fact that you're pushing a padded weight forward with your chest. This range of motion naturally keeps your back straight mainly because you must push the weight forward. You can do a test to see what I mean by finding an adjustable chair, lowering it so that a desk edge is at chest level, and pressing against it. Your upper body is "forced" to stay straight in order to push the weight forward. It won't allow you to slouch down, as the AB-DOer will.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

52

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Question: I travel a lot. How do I keep myself in shape while traveling? Answer: I suggest you purchase a bodylastics. This device keeps me going while I away from my regular gym. I love it! Take a look at Bodylastics at bodylastics.com, the $50 Bowflex alternative. Save Hundreds of Dollars and get the same workout! Recently named Editors Pick by Self Magazine! The unique clip-system helps create 15 levels of resistance. So, it is easy enough for grandma yet challenging enough for Mr. Olympia. Work every muscle group to the max. Order and save an addition 10% for being a flattenyourabs customer just enter the customer code "zone" on the shopping cart page. http://www.bodylastics.com PLEASE NOTE: customer code is "zone" If you do not enter this code into the customer code section you will not receive the discount at bodylastics.com Question: What's better, long or short workouts? Answer: The answer to this question is widely debated. It actually depends on what someone defines as long and short. I tend to favor the short workout. I don't see how anyone can workout for more than one hour HARD let alone two hours. In my opinion, this is over training. It's a mistake often made by beginners. By working out longer, your muscles won't get bigger, faster, or stronger than they would under normal circumstances. Try to keep your workouts quick and to the point; one hour is the longest I would train, including all aspects of the session, although my workouts rarely exceed 40 minutes. On the other hand, if you normally workout for two hours and are getting good results, then by all means keep doing what you're doing! (you go into great detail earlier about fat burners that you don’t need to repeat it here.) Question: What's the best exercise to lose my love handles? Answer: There's really no exercise needed to lose love handles. The solution to this problem and all other abdominal problems is in the diet. Cut calories, eat frequent small meals, lower fat, lower sodium, lower sugar, limit late night eating, drink water, and exercise. When you perform these eight steps, the body's metabolism is increased causing you to burn fat more efficiently. The first area affected by this fat-burn process is where fat is most abundant, usually in the abdominal area. Question: It's obviously hard to stay on a training and diet regiment indefinitely. What's a good rule of thumb for how many times a week someone might deviate and still have acceptable result? As long as the deviation isn't something like bingeing of course? I'm very good about staying with something once I get my mind on it, but there will be occasional social settings or something similar. Answer: As far as "straying" from a good diet regiment, you shouldn't have to. You should be able to fit in maybe one or two good meals a day to where you're eating whatever you want. I do FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

53

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

it all the time! You have to enjoy life. I can do this because I know my body. I know exactly what I can and can't get away with. But at the same time, I don't worry about losing abs because I know exactly what's needed to get them if I ever started seeing excessive flab. A suggestion would be to trim your abs to decent form, and then begin to eat goodies here and there. Question: I don't want to be a bodybuilder, I just want to tone up and get abs. What should I do? Answer: There's really nothing different from what a bodybuilder does and someone who wants to tone up. Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines bodybuilding as, "the developing of the body through exercise and diet." This makes almost everyone a bodybuilder! The only difference is to what extreme you decide to take it. Bottom line: Training is used to build the muscles, but the actual sculpting of the muscles and "toning" must be done primarily through dieting and exercise. Question: You say not to eat much in the evening. Here is my problem…. I usually work till 7:00pm and go to train afterwards (i.e. 8:30pm - 10:00pm). Usually when I come back home, I eat foods with high protein like eggs, tuna, and protein shakes. Is this a good idea? What should I do? Unfortunately, I am not able to move my training to another hour of the day? What should I eat before and after the training? My goals are to lose fat, and to get bigger. Answer: Because of your daily work schedule, you're a little different from the example I described in earlier. Basically, as long as you're "moving," meaning not lying around and eating, you'll still burn fat. The problems begin when you work from 9 - 5, come home, then treat yourself after a hard day's work, right before you go to sleep. I personally have been in situations where I had to train late. And what you're doing now is exactly what I did! You're doing the right thing! Your post workout meal is an "essential" part of the muscle-building process. Plus watch protein drinks, most of them are of poor quality and they suck up water from your system to aid in the digestion of these drinks which in turn make you dehydrated. It is recommended that you eat very little or nothing before you workout. You don't want to eat a big meal right before you workout because it takes too much energy to digest the food you ate. This would explain why we sometimes feel tired after consuming big meals. You'll definitely be weaker on a full stomach. Many don't realize how much energy it takes to digest a big meal. Your post workout meal should usually be higher in carbohydrates than in protein. This helps to restore lost energy as a result of working out. Most people think protein is needed after a workout, when in fact it's the other way around. You can eat protein with a post workout meal, but the majority of the meal should consist of carbohydrates. Don Lemmon has taught that for years.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

54

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Question: There is such brouhaha over abs. But abs aren't the only problem. In fact for women, fat deposits are more over hips and thighs. What do I need to do to lose the hips and thighs? Answer: You're right! But…The same "fat loss" techniques needed to define love handles for men are the exact same techniques needed to tone the thighs, hips, and buttocks for women. Fat is fat. It doesn't matter where it's located on the body. The following fat-burning strategy must be used to combat problem areas, regardless of their location: ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾

Reduce fat Cut calories Eat small meals frequently Reduce sodium Limit late night eating Limit sugar intake Exercise regularly Drink water Never skip meals Exercise daily Eat Organic Avoid deep fried foods Get enough sleep

Question: Just for clarification purposes, you're basically saying don't overstress ab exercises, just do them until they feel difficult to do: leg lifts, crunches, and the like. Is just a few minutes okay? Not that it's needed, but do you like something like the abdominal wheel. Answer: Your interpretations are correct! For years I would get ripped off from buying products and supplements that weren't needed. If someone would have taught me these basic, yet key concepts when I first started I could have saved a fortune and I wouldn't have had to write this book to save you money. To answer your question, it takes me approximately 15 - 20 minutes to complete an abdominal training routine. Everything is performed with about 1 minute rest between sets between sets. I used to think the more exercise the better because "it was what I heard." Your abs can only be trained one way and that is by shortening the distance from your sternum to your upper legs, or bending at the waist. The products they sell on TV target the abs in the exact same way as sit-ups, crunches, leg lifts, etc. They hype them up and mislead consumers by making it seem as though traditional ab exercises don't target every section of the abs. WRONG!! They get their ideas from traditional exercises. The movements are exactly the same. The inventors of abdominal exercise equipment try to make their products seem new, but they've actually already been invented.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

55

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Question: I'm having problems with my weight. What causes people to gain weight? Answer: Weight gain is caused when someone consumes more calories than their body requires. For example, if a smaller woman was only required to eat 1,200 calories per day and upped her caloric intake to 2,000 calories per day, it's possible she will notice a weight gain from the 800-calorie increase. Question: I work abs everyday. Why am I still not seeing a six-pack? Answer: You can works abs every minute and you still won't see a six pack without a proper diet. You must modify your current diet to see the goods. It's not that you don't have a six pack, it's just a matter of stripping away excess fat from around the abdominal area. Training doesn't really have a lot to do with obtaining great abs. The secret is in the diet. Question: I saw an advertisement for a "How to Lose 50 Pounds In Three Weeks" book. I wanted to get your opinion on this. Answer: If it sounds too good to be true, it is. This is a scam! For some it can happen, but a loss of 50 pounds in three weeks is unrealistic for most people. It's a scam because the author or authors of the book automatically know that this won't happen for most people. These books are mainly targeted at beginners because it's eye-catching and sounds good to them. Any advanced athlete will tell you that this loss is near impossible to accomplish naturally. Also in a book like this, they won't really tell you anything you don't already know. You may hear the information in a different form, but nothing will be new. These guys are out to make a quick buck. Take your money and run! Question: Is it ok to train a sore muscle? Answer: No! That would be a big mistake. Sore muscles need to be rested as long as they remain sore or you'll deprive them of maximum strength and growth potential. It is okay to train muscles other than the muscles that are sore. For instance, if your abs are sore, you can train chest or arms. . Question: I threw up and almost passed out the other day during my abdominal and leg workout. I've never felt this way before. What happened? Answer: You probably ate too much before you worked out. Basically, a substantial amount of blood from your head went straight to your legs, and then to your stomach to digest the food you ate. This lack of blood in the head caused you to feel faint. It is recommended to train on an empty stomach or with very little in the stomach. Question: I keep hearing about this term "stacking." What is stacking? Answer: Stacking is when two or more natural supplements are combined in an effort to get increased muscular results.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

56

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

A sample stack would be protein powder, a fat burn supplement, and creatine. This would be considered a lean muscle-building stack. Question: I'm trying to define my abs and gain 30 pounds by the August timeframe. I'm already 170 pounds right now. In your opinion, what kind of program should I start to reach that goal? Answer: I like your motivation, but your goal is unrealistic. Assuming you want to do this weight gain naturally, the most you'll probably gain in a year is about five to eight pounds max. Some hardgainers or beginners can gain up to 30 pounds (extremely rare) when they first begin, but it's impossible for the average person to do this in less than a year. They now have supplements such as creatine that can put 10 pounds on someone within a week, but the gains will all disappear the moment you stop taking it. The only real way to gain "quality" weight is to increase your calorie intake, get plenty of rest, drink water, keep a positive attitude, and don't quit. A word of advice is to have patience. It may take years to look the way you want to look. Be patient and don't lose self-motivation. Question: Ever heard about something called CLA (fat burner)? What do you think about it? Answer: CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), originally produced by EAStm is not as effective as it was originally thought to be. Some friends of mine put it to the test so that they could give me their opinion . . . No results! It does nothing! Besides, CLA can be found in cream for free! Question: I would really love to get your opinion on omega-3 fat. I heard that the omega-3 fats can elevate your fat-burning process. Answer: Omega-3 type fatty acids don't do anything "significant" to the body. The only additional benefit is health. Meaning, it's a better fat than saturated fat. It actually acts like fat inside the body, but has a very slim chance of actually being converted to body fat because of its genetic makeup. You may have heard of MCT (medium chain triglyceride) oil. Both MCT oil and omega-3 fatty acids are the types of fat the body won't hold onto. Typically, people who eat foods like fish are much leaner than those who eat foods like hamburgers. That's partly due to the type of fat being consumed. The possibilities of it becoming flab are very slim. Use Lemmon's Oil for the best fat supplementation. Question: One of the main differences in the diet you recommend is obviously in the amount of carbs, such as oatmeal, breakfast bars, cereal, juices, breads, rice, and so on. It's certainly fine with me, especially if it works. I'm trying to get an idea of some things I've used to see if you think they'd be okay.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

57

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Here are a few questions: In the morning, I typically create a shake which consists of unsweetened soy milk (8 ounces), water and ice (4 - 6 ounces), mixed fruit (1/4 cup), one packet of Sweet & Lowtm, and 2 teaspoons of minerals. Would this shake be good in the place of Meal 1 or Meal 4? Also, are there any prepared meals (Lean Cuisinetm) that you think are particularly good or acceptable for one of your meals each day? Answer: For the record, carb intake should be tapered off as you begin to lessen your daily activities. To answer your first question, you could actually drink the shake in both places, assuming it's just the drink as a meal replacement. If you had to choose, the shake would be better in the place of Meal 1 because of the type of carbs (simple, natural sugars from the fruit). This translates to quick-burn carbs. Typically, for morning meals I recommend more of the "complex" carbs (slow release) because they're long lasting. But yes, you could definitely fit the shake into your meal plans. That's a pretty clever idea for the shake ingredients. To answer your second question, some of the already prepared meals can be eaten. Different lean meals have different caloric information. Even if they were the regular fattening TV dinners for example, you should still be able to eat them and still stay lean if your diet modifications are correct. The only thing with lean frozen dinners to watch out for is the high sodium. Anything preprocessed and frozen (i.e. fat free lunch meat) for later used will always have high sodium content for preservation reasons. Question: Is there a single trend diet you advocate or recommend? Answer: Absolutely not! Almost every trend diet promotes a quick fix, which is the entirely wrong concept. None of them promote consistency. This would explain why people lose weight on trend diets, only to gain it all back, and then some. Question: Where, if anywhere, would it be safe to add in dairy items like cheese, cottage cheese, or eggs? Are they best eaten in the morning, or can something like cottage cheese be eaten in conjunction with any of the five to six times a day meal plans? Answer: Dairy items can actually be eaten with just about any meal you choose. The only way dairy foods can become a problem is if they are repeatedly eaten in excess, whole fat or late at night. Most dairy foods will naturally be high in protein, just as meat is. I would caution the fat content of some dairy products. But even high-fat content dairy products can be eaten; you just have to know how much you can get away with before they become love handles. For example, take fat-free cookies and regular fattening ice cream. If you were to eat six of these fat-free cookies in one setting, it would equal a half serving of ice cream. Technically, one is the better of the choices, but they balance out when you eat the "equivalent." Experiment by eating your dairy products at different times of the day and monitor how your body responds. FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

58

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Question: What's a good repetition range for abdominal exercises? Answer: I don't recommend counting sets or reps. Here's why: The time spent counting sets and reps can be quality time spent concentrating on form and technique. For example, it's more important to think about the squeeze and feel of a muscle than it is to know what rep you're on. This is why I feel it is a waste of time counting sets and reps. You are basically putting a big wall up when you say, "I'm only going to do 10 reps and five sets." Without that barrier, the possibilities for awesome results are endless. Allow yourself to always do more and you can toss away the charts. This is why I recommend training abs until failure or until you cannot perform additional repetitions due to muscle fatigue. Abdominal muscles seem to respond well to constant tension over an extended period of time. Bigger muscle groups such as the quadriceps or pectorals respond well to both high and low reps. Question: Can you give me a brief explanation and examples of each of the following types of fat? I don't know what the difference between saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat are. Answer: Polyunsaturated fat examples include items such as fish, almonds, and peanuts. The body cannot function without polyunsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fat includes canola oil, olive oil, walnuts, and sunflower seeds. These are also essential types of fat. Examples of saturated fat would be animal fat, butter, and cheese. The terms poly- and mono- refer to different amounts of hydrogen atoms. For example when oil sits, hardens, and turns white, it contains more hydrogen atoms than normal. Keep your intake low, and then allow real butter, olive oil, Lemmon's oil, flax seed in sparing amounts. Question: You mentioned 20 to 25 minutes of cardio on the treadmill or riding a bike. I've heard that for maximum results, it's best to do 30 to 45 minutes. Answer: Unfortunately, 30 to 45 minutes for maximum results is just another myth. Everyone seems to do this exact same amount of cardio because it's the "ideal" number, but they don't really know why they do it for this long. Typically, it's going to be because it's what they "heard." Ultimately, it will depend on your body type. People who usually do not workout could have a heart attack just by brisk walking for 30 minutes. Their heart rate may not be ready to take in this type of oxygen capacity. That's why it's best to gradually build up to a level at which you feel comfortable. It will vary from person to person. I only say more than 20 because I know you want to hear it. 15 minutes is plenty if you work hard.

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

59

David Grisaffi’s Flatten Your Abs: Abdominal Slimming Manual

Question: Everywhere I look I always see exercises for upper and lower abs, but I never see anything that specifically targets the middle abs. It's annoying to have definition in the upper and lower abs, but have absolutely nothing to show in the middle. How can I cure this problem? Answer: When you train your upper and lower abs, you're actually training your "entire" abdominal region [including the obliques], but the emphasis is put on whatever section of the abs you're trying to train. Another example of this type of situation would be the bench press. In this example, you have the option of a flat, incline, and decline bench for working the chest muscles (pectorals). Each of these different bench press angles works mainly the middle portion of the chest, although the emphasis is put on the upper pectoral region if you're using an incline bench, and the lower pectorals if you're using the decline bench. Question: I have been working out diligently for nearly six months on my abs and I am beginning to see definition and gains in size. However, I am also noticing that my six-pack is not symmetrical. That is, the definition lines in the left area and the right area of my abs do not seem to be lining up. What am I doing wrong and what should I do to balance them out? Answer: Not everyone was blessed with a "six-pack" per say. Some people have a four-pack, and others only a two-pack. Some even have eight mid-range abdominal muscles. It really depends on what God blessed you with. You're not doing anything wrong. Many wouldn't know this because their body fat percentage will never be low enough to notice their abdominal muscle structure. If anything, you should be thankful because you can actually see how your abdominal muscles are developing. I hope you have enjoyed the book and find it a wealth of knowledge for your health. Remember: “An Idle Butt is the Devils Fat Depository” David Grisaffi 253-383-5370 http://www.fit-zone.com e-mail: [email protected]

FREE Newsletter at www.fit-zone.com

60