ABDOMINALS!

I knew it wouldn't be long before someone asked me about ab muscles. Which is actually really good because those are probably my favorite muscles to work out. There are several things you should consider when working your abs. They are different than your other muscles. The reason they are so difficult to maintain (especially for women) is because when we gain weight the first place to get a layer of fat is normally the gut region. Your abs are still there just under a layer of fat. The fastest way to get and keep your abs looking good is cardio; lots and lots of cardio. Why do you think runners and swimmers and gymnasts have amazing looking abs? Because they work cardio like no other. (Yes even gymnasts run) 
If you are really dedicated to keeping your abs looking tight here is what you need to do. 
1) Work them daily: go hard one day and easy the next 
2) Increase the amount of cardiovascular workouts that you do. (cardiovascular workouts are anything where your heart rate is increased for long periods of time 20-30 min or more)
3) Watch what you eat! No more fast food. Steer clear of sodas. Stick with lean beef and anything that flies or swims is always going to be a better choice than red meat. When it comes to meals you should try and eat 6-8 small meals a day. This will help speed up your metabolism. Faster metabolism=more pooping=weight loss! Don't be starving or stuffed ever; you want to be content. 
As far as workouts go there are all sorts of things you can do. Here are a few ideas on combining abs and your cardio workout:
-Combination pull up/abs: switch off a set of pull ups and then a set of abs right after you drop off the bar. 
-Combination sprints/abs: sprint at a 80-90% speed for 60-70 yards then drop and do a set of 25 abs then get up and sprint again. 5 sprints is one set. (You can also make it a circuit and throw some pushups and squat jumps into the mix!) 
Just plain abs:
-With a partner: hold your legs 6 inches off the ground and for X amount of time have your partner firmly (yet bearable) punch your abs. This will cause you to keep your abs tighter than you are used to. Plus you look like a bad ass at the gym.
-With a partner: have your partner toss a medicine ball slightly above your head. Catch in an upright position do a sit up with the ball above your head and on the way back up toss the ball hard back to your partner. You can do this sideways as well if you need a good oblique workout. 
If you have anymore questions about abs or want to see pictures or need more explanation on anything just leave a comment! 

Utilize your surroundings.

-Sonya