How to Get a Flat Stomach Without Losing Weight

Many people associate getting a flat stomach with losing weight. Some people may need to shed the spare tire around middle to look sleeker and more toned. But for others, having a little stomach flab is not the same as being overweight. This is especially true of new mothers who often hold onto the untoned tummy even after losing the baby weight. Flatten your stomach by toning your core and strengthening your abdominal muscles.

Things You'll Need

• Stability ball

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Instructions

• 1

  Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor to do daily situps. Place your hands behind your head with your elbows bent. Tighten your stomach and raise your upper back and shoulders up several inches toward your chest while keeping your lower back in contact with the floor. Complete 10 repetitions per set, two or three times a week. Bodybuilding.com explains that the contraction of the muscles during a crunch creates a separation in the rectus abdominis muscle and a flatter appearance of a "six pack."

• 2

  Strengthen your abs, obliques -- the muscles on the sides of your torso-- and your back with core rotation exercises. Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent. Tighten your abs and keep your shoulders still as you rotate your lower body to the left, bringing your knees almost to the floor. Hold for several seconds before returning to the original position. Repeat the exercise on your right side too. Start with five repetitions and work your way up to 15 reps daily.

• 3

  Perform squats, a weight-bearing exercise that can build stronger bones in addition to working your abs for a flatter stomach. Stand with your feet at shoulder-width apart. Keeping your back straight and shoulders in line with your hips, bend your knees until they are directly over your toes. Balance your weight on the balls of your feet. Hold the position for a second and stand up to complete one repetition. Do three to five repetitions per set, resting for three minutes in between sets. Try to complete four sets during each training session.

• 4

  Engage your abs without losing weight by sitting on a stability ball two to three times per week. Balancing on the ball forces you to contract your stomach muscles and strengthens your core even when you are not doing specific exercises on the ball. Use the ball in place of an office chair or sit on it when watching television. Indiana University researchers report that using a stability ball promotes freer movement, which can counter lower-back pain too.

• 5

  Watch your diet. Not for weight loss, but for body composition, according to a February 2010 issue of the "Strength and Conditioning Journal." Following a low-carb diet can help increase lean body mass and decrease body fat, which can give you the appearance of a flatter stomach. Choose whole grains when eating carbohydrates, and focus on lean proteins such as chicken and fish, and fresh produce.