Test Your Exercise IQ: Can You Separate Fact From Fiction?

True or False: If You Want Flat Abs, Skip the Crunches

Answer: True. You can have flat abs and never do a sit-up or crunch again. The "sit-ups-equals-flat-abs" idea is based on the myth that you can spot reduce. You can't. Doing crunches can strengthen your abdominal muscles, which is great. But to lose a flabby midsection, you need to drop excess weight all over your body—not just from your stomach. The best way to a flatter belly? "Doing exercises that work your core—such as Pilates and yoga—as well as cardiovascular exercises [like running or tennis] to burn calories," says Mike Fantigrassi, director of professional services and a master instructor for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). "One of the best exercises is simply drawing in your belly button towards your spine by sucking in your stomach and having erect posture. You'll stabilize your spine and strengthen a very deep muscle called the transverse abdominis, which can actually make your waist appear smaller when you draw it in."

More On : Test Your Exercise IQ: Can You Separate Fact From Fiction?