All you need to know about abs fitness

We all remember the moment Cristiano Ronaldo scored a 120th minute penalty in last year's Champions League final against Atletico Madrid - not for his precision placement to the left of Thibaut Courtois, but for the celebration that had women throughout the world looking over to their significant other and wondering 'if only'.

Then again, stomach abs in not for men only.

You can't get great abs just by exercising your stomach muscles. There is a lot of misinformation about what you need to do to get that flat stomach that you want.

Know what it take to stomach exercise

First, you have to know what it takes in stomach exercise to get the results you want. You also need to know why you might be more likely to collect those rolls of flab around your belly than your friends are. Once you understand these things, you can choose and use a stomach exercise that will really work for you.

Benefits of stomach exercise

There are several benefits associated with stomach exercises beyond getting a flat belly or a six-pack of abs. For example, doing regular stomach exercises helps your body to attain a better posture because your muscles will be stronger. Also, you'll probably notice that your lower back will be more flexible, and your digestion will improve through regular stomach exercise as well.

By performing a regular exercise routine, you'll enjoy life more because you'll be more active and able to participate. Your body will feel better, and your mental abilities will also be stimulated, and your thinking abilities will improve.

Be dedicated

You need to be dedicated to a regular exercise routine to get these benefits, however. If you're trying to lose weight, for example, you won't see any improvement if you don't take the time to tone up your stomach muscles.

Be motivated

It's important to stay motivated. Don't get discouraged. It takes time and patience to firm up a flabby belly. And consider that there might be other factors that impact your efforts. Even with regular stomach exercise, it will be a struggle to rid yourself of this fat. Your specific genetic makeup also has an influence on your ability to have a flat stomach.

If you are under a lot of stress, the hormone cortisol makes your body produce more sugar, and it makes you eat more too. Additionally, diseases such as diabetes can cause weight gain, and doing stomach exercises alone won't get rid of the fat around your mid-section.

Know how to start

If you're starting an exercise routine to decrease your excess fat, it's important to focus on the lower abs first because this area is the most difficult to strengthen and tone. The upper abs will tone and tighten naturally as the lower abs become stronger. You should also recognize that your weight didn't increase overnight. You can lose excess weight and fat, but only if you perform stomach exercises as part of a total lifestyle change.Go ahead and take the challenge! Try for the body you've always wanted. You'll feel good about yourself for making the effort.