The fitness goal of a "flat stomach" isn't necessarily...attainable for everyone. In fact, many factors play into just how "flat" your stomach looks on any given day: where you are in your menstrual cycle, how well your digestive system's working, and even whether or not your parents bestowed upon you some ab-worthy genes—you know, stuff you totally can't control.

Another factor? Your diet. You can remedy some of those issues by eating produce at every meal and filling up on veggies, whole grains, and beans, says Bonci—but even that won’t automatically make your stomach flat.

Instead, try to focus on a new goal: Strengthen your core and aim to make it as stable as possible—so stable that when someone tries to push you over in a plank position, you can still hold steady.

To build that strong, stable midsection, try these three ab circuits. Abs can be made in the kitchen—and your living room, with these exercises!

Circuit 1

Perform exercises 1-3 for 1 minute, rest for 20 seconds, then move onto the next move. Repeat the entire circuit 2 times.

1. Single Leg Plank

2. Plank Rotations

3. Plank to Bird Dog

Circuit 2

Perform exercises 4-6 for 45 sec, rest for 45 seconds, then move onto the next move. Repeat the entire circuit 3 times.

4. Dumbbell Goblet Squat

5. Dumbbell Overhead Walk

6. Hollow Body Hold 

Circuit 3

Perform exercises 7-10 for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, and move onto the next move. Repeat the entire circuit 3 times.

7. Pike Ups

8. Beast Walk

9. Supine Leg Lowers

10. Side Plank

Read the full article here.

Originally posted at Health.com