Unfortunately, not everyone can have Beyonce's body. Genetics, to some extent, play a role in developing your six pack. Similarly, if you work 70-80 hours a week you might not have enough time for killer abs. Having great, flashy abs may not be possible for everyone -- but having healthy, strong abdominal muscles is a realistic goal for all. Slouching will make it look like you have a beer belly no matter how much you work out. Stand tall with your shoulders back to make the most of your abs. Think of your posture as creating a simple line with your body-- this will lead to a flat stomach and great abs:  Ears over your shoulders. Shoulders over your hips. Hips over your knees. Knees over your ankles. Having great abs does not require you to go to the gym every day. You can find time to do ab workouts throughout your day to make sculpting your abs a part of your daily life.  Perform 20 sit-ups, 20 push-ups, and 2 minutes of planks during commercial breaks on TV. Take a break from the computer and do 20 crunches every hour during work. Perform 10-15 minutes of simple exercises right when you wake up in the morning, or before bed. Take the stairs, run to work, or bike to the store whenever possible. Your abs sit at a crucial place in your muscular system, helping transfer energy and motion from you upper body to your hips and legs. As such, it is hard to get great abs without working out the rest of you body as well. This doesn't mean you need to go to the gym every day, though this will help. You can also perform body-weight exercises at home. All of these exercises utilize your core, though it is not the principle muscle.   Push-ups: Place your toes and both hands (shoulder length apart) on the floor. Focus on keeping your spine straight as you lower yourself to the ground so your nose is roughly 6 inches from the floor. Slowly push back up to your starting position. Aim for 20 reps. (Biceps, Triceps, Pecs)  Pull-up: Grip a horizontal bar with both hands so your palms face towards you body. Using your arms, pull your chin above the bar and slowly lower yourself down. Aim for 5-10 reps. (Biceps, Triceps, Deltoids)  Wall Sits: Sit as if you were in a chair with your back against the wall. Your legs will form a right angle at the knee and you back should stay straight against the wall. Hold for one minute at a time. (Quads, glutes).  Squats: With your feet shoulder length apart, slowly lower your butt to the floor. Try to keep your knees directly in line with your ankles, not leaning over them. Slowly return to standing position. This exercise is great with weights as well. Aim for 15-20 reps. (Quads, Hamstrings, Glutes).
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One-sentence summary -- Have realistic expectations about your body. Focus on your posture. Make time for ab exercises daily. Train your whole body.


Set your phone or computer to alert you to check your posture. Place notes for yourself around your house, car, and office. Sometimes all it takes to keep good posture is constant reminders and reinforcement. You need to reprogram your habits just as much as you need to strengthen your back muscles. Yoga is specifically good for improving your posture. Some of the best exercises include:   The cobra. Lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders. Make sure you point your fingers forward. Then, keeping your elbows close to your sides, try to touch your shoulder blades together. Be sure to stabilize your back by tightening your abdominal muscles. Then, slowly lift your chest to the ceiling, making sure to keep your neck long. Use your arms for support, but your back muscles to pull you up. Hold for 10 breaths, then lower yourself. Repeat 3 times.    Child's pose: Stand on your knees with your arms above your head. Palms should be facing each other. Then, exhale and slowly move forward. Lower your forehead to the floor and stretch your arms out in front of you, pressing your palms into the floor. Hold, and then return to the starting position. Repeat six times.    Mountain Pose. Stand straight with your feet on the ground,  heels slightly apart. Be sure your weight is evenly distributed between your two feet. Lift the insides of your ankles so that your feet seem cupped. Then, extend your shoulder blades and try to touch them. Slowly release. Finally, raise your arms to the ceiling and gaze forward. These techniques should specifically focus on your abdominal and back muscles as these are the muscles that will help support your spine.   Squeeze your shoulder blades together. Pretend you're holding a ball between your shoulder blades.Try to squeeze the ball by bringing your shoulder blades together. Hold for 10 seconds. This will help stretch the front of your shoulders, which will likely be tight from poor posture. Roll your shoulders. Roll one shoulder forwards, upwards, backwards, then back down. Imagine that you are sliding your shoulder blade down your spine. Then, repeat on the other side. This will help settle your shoulders farther back than they usually settle. Stretch your chest. Find a rolled up towel or piece of fabric and stand with your legs shoulder width apart. Grip the fabric so that it is taut and your hands are also shoulder width apart. Inhale and lift your arms to shoulder height. Then, exhale and pull your arms up and back as far as you can. Hold for two inhales and exhales, then lower your arms and repeat.
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One-sentence summary --
Remind yourself to stand up straight. Practice Yoga. Do other exercises and stretches to improve your posture.