THE CAUSE: Blame your genes! They make you store excess fat in your tummy rather than in other parts of your body, like your hips or thighs.
YOUR TUMMY-TONING MOVE: Elbow Strike
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Now step to the side with your right leg, bending your knee and sitting back slightly into your right buttock, while simultaneously swinging your right elbow back (as if you were trying to
strike someone behind you with your elbow). Return to starting position. Repeat five times. Switch to left leg and repeat sequence.
WHY IT WORKS: This move will rev up your metabolism to burn fat. Studies have found that your body type may actually lose fat faster in the tummy than other types if you stick to exercising regularly.
TYPE A FOOD TIP: Get more calcium (yogurt, milk cheese) - it may actually help tummy fat.
THE CAUSE: A healthy pancreas secretes insulin - a hormone that helps your body digest and process food - when it detects that youve just consumed a starchy or sugary food. Your body may have a hard time regulating your insulin levels. Fat cells in the belly tend to get larger when insulin isnt properly functioning, says Austin.
YOUR TUMMY-TONING MOVE: Warrior II
Stand with your legs apart, as wide as is comfortable. Then spin your left foot out 90 degrees and turn your right foot in slightly. Lift up your arms to shoulder level, and stretch the left arm out straight in front of you and the right arm in back of you. Keep your torso erect and bend your left knee to 90 degrees. Dont let the knee go beyond the ankle. Hold for 30 seconds. Return to starting position. Repeat sequence on other side.
WHY IT WORKS: This move helps strengthen abdominal muscles, which will in turn help burn up more of your
stored fat cells.
TYPE B FOOD TIP: Veer away from high-carb foods (white bread, rice and candy) that will aggravate your blood-sugar levels. Consume more protein, which helps your insulin levels stay more stable.