We always see models on TV showing off their washboard abs and so we want to be just like them. Indeed, when we have a strong midsection, our posture is better and we will look taller and thinner. However, having strong abs isn’t just to look good; it also brings many more health benefits.

Having a strong midsection improves our posture, which in turn benefits our back so that we don’t constantly complain of lower back pain. When working at an office desk or even just watching TV or driving a car, if we keep our back straight and our abs tight, our back won’t hurt as much. An article in US News and World Report states: "Larger waists can lead to more low-back pain, greater breathing difficulties, and persistent cough… Waist size can even forecast who will have trouble bathing, dressing, and walking in old age.”As you see, if we want to be independent when we are old and gray, it is important to strengthen our abdominal area so we can do the basic everyday things in life like bathing, dressing, and walking. A professor at Boston University of Medical school, W. Kannel, says that abdominal fat also leads to “glucose intolerance, diabetes, hypertension and accelerated development of coronary heart disease”All these health problems can be avoided by losing fat around the middle of our bodies and strengthening those muscles by doing toning exercises.

So, having strong abs isn’t just about looking good, though it’s one of the great benefits; having strong abs certainly helps prevent many health problems. That is why when you exercise it is important to focus on your breathing technique and on keeping your abs tight and back straight. It is important to learn how to breathe properly and focus on keeping your abs tight and back straight with every toning exercise you do, as well as when you walk, jog or run, so that you can tighten your abs, at the same time as you are losing fat and toning your other muscles.

Mirdza Hayden Helping people lead healthier lives http://www.Watkinsmom.com

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