Weight loss success secrets - Part 2 of 4 (page 2 of 2)

The most commonly known muscle is the rectus abdominus - this is the long muscle that has the characteristic bulges referred to as a "six-pack". It is interesting to note that this muscle is actually slightly bulged when relaxed, and only flattens when contracted.

Everyone has abdominal muscles, and almost everyone has those "six-pack ripples." These are caused by the fact that tendons stretch across the muscle to hold it in place. The indentations from these tendons cause the ripples. So why don't you see them?

The problem is that in most cases, there is a layer of fat over the muscle that keeps you from being able to see it. And, contrary to popular belief, working your abdominal muscles will not magically burn the fat from your stomach. Your body does not burn fat based on what muscles you are working (this is called spot reduction). Instead, hormones circulate and trigger the release of fats into the bloodstream where they can be processed. Working your abs may strengthen your abdominal muscles, but the fat that it is burning may come from an entirely different part of your body.

Working your abs simply makes the muscle stronger underneath the fat, but doesn't do anything to make it appear. For a flat stomach, you must lose fat, and to lose fat, you have to do more than sit-ups or crunches. Losing fat requires an integrated program of weight training, cardio, and proper nutrition. In our next segment, we'll explore 5 ways you can successfully tackle the fat (and keep it off for good).