Quiz the Coach - I Want Nice Abs

So ya dig sports but need some help with your game? Don't understand some of the rules of football, basketball or hockey? Got a gripe about P.E. class, skateboarders, cheerleading, coaches, or anything? Why not Quiz the Coach?

Hey Coach,
Hey coach, I am 15 and I am tired of having a small gut on me and I know I am still growing but I want to know if there is any excercises I can try, besides sit ups, that would firm and sculp my abs?
casemanbr31

Hey casemanbr31

Situps or any other ab exercises will not get rid of body fat and give you a washboard stomach like Usher or Gwen Stefani. Ab exercises are just one step on the road to getting a sweet six pack, which includes the following:

Regular Cardio Exercise - If you're just beginning regular cardio workouts, start out slowly and work up to a more intense pace. For more info on cardio workouts, click here.

Stength Training - Strength training one to three times a week helps to reduce body fat. Start out slowly and make sure you learn proper lifting and strength training techniques. For more info on strength training, click here.

Healthy Diet - Click here to find out more about eating right.

Abdominal Exercises - Abdominal exercises only need to be part of your overall workout to achieve a totally toned tummy. Overworking your abs can damage your muscles so limit your ab workouts to two or three times a week. If you don't like doing full sit ups, try doing crunches, which can be as effective, if done properly. Talk to your P.E. teacher about proper techniques.

Keep in mind that there's not necessarily anything wrong with having a "small gut" on you - especially when you're a 15 year-old going through puberty. Your body goes through many changes at this age, including weight gain and body fat, which doesn't mean you're unhealty. Also remember that firm and sculpted abs won't happen overnight. It takes a well-rounded program, a healthy diet and dedication.

Do you need tips or advice on sports, fitness or health? Send it to the Kidzworld Coach. Keep in mind peeps, the Kidzworld Coach isn't a doctor or a professional athlete or anything like that. He's just a dude who digs sports, plays 'em and knows a lot about 'em. You should always talk to your 'rents, a doctor or your school gym teacher before starting a new sport or a new exercise.

Related Stories:

Toning Tips For That Special Dress

Aerobics 101

I'm Overweight For My Age

More Health and Fitness Advice

Read more: Advice & Tips