Flat, toned abs are probably the most common goal of exercisers. With that said, keep in mind that creating a defined midsection takes several weeks — or months — depending on your starting point.

Here are 5 steps you can take to make sure you are on your way to a more defined core!:

1. Maintain a caloric deficit

 Your first step to revealing a toned stomach is losing the fat covering the muscles. Maintaining healthy body weight is crucial in getting a toned belly. You can do a thousand sit-ups every day, but with too much body fat you will never see the muscles that you’re working. To lose fat, you must eat fewer calories than you burn. 

You can start with a moderate 500 calories deficit to lose one to two pounds per week.

• What your diet consists of matters as well; make sure that you eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, fiber, and whole grains.

Avoid going on a starvation or crash diets! You’ll drop muscle along with the fat, which won’t help you look toned in the tummy and compromises your metabolism.

Check out the free training I’ve put out to learn more about how you can lose weight without going crazy and without having to starve yourself

2. Add in strength training.

Muscle growth and definition requires dedication to a comprehensive workout routine. Toned abs don’t just result from 100 crunches performed every now and then. You have to make a commitment and follow a properly structured strength-training routine that addresses every major muscle group at least three times per week.

Don’t know where to start? Check out our flag program – Lady Fat Loss

Hydration

You must drink plenty of water in order to help avoid bloating and puffiness, which will conceal toned stomach muscles.  Make sure that you are staying properly hydrated in order to rid the body of toxins, keep your metabolism at its peak, and make defining your abdominals easier.