ONE of the most common requests I get as a personal trainer is to “Give me abs,” “Flatten my tummy,” “Get rid of my belly.”

Is this familiar? Is this you?

Relax, you’re not alone.

Six-pack abs is one of the top three fitness-based searches on Google.

It’s not that surprising. Initial evaluations with the 12 Month 24 Dares subscribers (dare-ees) show 95 per cent of the dare-ees having this similar request.

Studies show that individuals associate having a flat tummy, or ‘abs’ as a general sign that they’re fit — so it’s no surprise that this is a common request.

What are abs?

Abdominal muscles are the main muscle group in the core. They are below the chest and located between the ribs and the pelvis.

They are essential to a well-balanced training programme and assist in efficient breathing, back support, balance, and preventing injury.

Harsh reality of abs/flat tummy

The harsh reality is that ab exercises alone won’t give you the six-pack abs/flat tummy. They will strengthen the area but every body is different and it highly depends on genetics, age, hormones and other factors that are not always in our control.

The healthiest way to go for abs is with consistent, overall exercise and a healthy, low-calorie diet.

It’s not just about the abdominal muscles, but also training your back and your glutes. This is your core and this is what helps your body support your spine, taking some burden off your bones.

Benefits of core strength

Core work is a personal love of mine. From swimming to tending to your garden, working your core is important as it helps with muscular coordination and supports the upper alignment of the body, controlling the supporting movements of the legs and arms. Here are some benefits of working on your core:

1. Managing lower back pain: When your back isn’t fully supported by your abdominals, back pain can occur. Back pain is a very common issue and could be prevented by increasing your core strength.

A 2002 study published in Spine Journal found that “working the abdominal muscles decreases the rigidness of your sacroiliac joints, which connect between the sacrum and ilium of your pelvis, and better supports the spine”.

2. Better balance and stability: Whether you are young or old, balance and stability is important. Falling is not cool. A strong core helps with good posture and ensures that you stay upright on uneven ground.

3. Avoid injuries: A 2007 study from the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology found that increased core strength reduced injuries in those whose jobs required awkward positions – such as firefighters – by 42 per cent over a period of one year.

Your core is important, but it’s not just about a flat tummy or a six-pack! It’s about a strong core! If you haven’t started including safe core work into your training and eating better, it’s not too late!

Be sure to check out some exercises online and you can always join the movement to be a part of our ab challenge. Email us at 12months24dares@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram and/or Facebook using the handle 12months24dares.

Jo-Hanna is the wellness coordinator of 12 Months 24 Dares. She is an internationally certified America Council of Exercise Personal Trainer, group fitness instructor and Power Vinyasa 200YT Yoga Instructor.