Six-pack abs and a toned, flat stomach are what we all want. There are plenty of gimmicks and devices on the market aimed at cutting stubborn belly fat, but the truth is that a combination of exercise and nutrition is required to reveal stunning abs that lie underneath.

The human body stores fat as reserves, but there are only certain places where it can be stored. The abdomen is one of the easiest places for fat to collect, as well as the buttocks and thighs. Your genetics influence where your body fat is stored and how much of it you have, but there are still plenty of ways that you can take control over your body and achieve the muscular physique you’ve been dreaming of.

Lots of people do hundreds of crunches in each gym workout, hoping to build muscle and achieve that six-pack. However, crunches only target one part of your core, and different types of exercises are needed to fully define and strengthen the abs.

Here are some of our favorite workouts for abs to tighten and tone them and ultimately, get in the best shape of your life.

Side Plank

Lie on one side with your elbow beneath your shoulder and one leg stacked on top of the other. Put one hand on your hip (or extended upward) and lift your hips off the floor while balancing on your opposite forearm. Hold this pose for at least 30 seconds and then switch sides. This is a great exercise for working the obliques and strengthening your core with your own body weight – no equipment required!

Walkout from Pushup

Begin this exercise in the pushup position with your hands wider than your shoulders. Now walk your hands out as far as you can while keeping your core tight and controlled. Walk your hands back to the starting position and repeat at least 10 to 15 times. Not only does this exercise work the core, but the arms and legs as well.

Yoga

Now is the time to shed any preconceived notions that you have about yoga, because this is an excellent workout for the abs. It strengthens the abs and works your core in ways that few other workouts do. Recommended yoga poses for abs are Warrior 2, Plank Pose, and Boat Pose.

Cardiovascular exercises like running and swimming are great for burning body fat all over the body and should be part of any workout routine. However, it should be noted that what you eat and drink has just as much of an impact on reducing belly fat as the exercises you do. A diet packed with lean protein and fresh fruits and vegetables goes a long way in keeping your body slim and giving it the energy it needs to do each of these exercises with high intensity.

To increase the effectiveness of a fat-burning diet and ab exercises, try our specially formulated L-Carnitine Liquid. With delicious fruit flavors, this nutrition supplement supports fat metabolism and helps to maintain overall health by facilitating the transfer of fatty acids into your cells. Try it today and get on your way to those six-pack abs!