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The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. The same often applies to ab exercises and crunches. If they are not working, stop doing them! You can do as many crunches as you want, but unless you have a multi-faceted approach to obtaining a flat stomach, achieving those 6 pack abs will be virtually impossible.
Tip 1 - Exercise
There is no getting away from it but you need to get your body moving. Cardiovascular exercise is the most effective exercise for burning a ton of calories, and will help rip the fat off your stomach. Exercising in short bursts is much more effective then doing tons of boring repetitions. An example is 1 minute fast, 2 minutes slow for 25 minutes total on the treadmill. Try and do three or four cardio sessions per week. Spot reduction does not work. See your body as a whole.
Tip 2 - Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water will help the body to flush out fat and toxins out as well as preventing fluid retention which can make the body look bloated. Staying hydrated also improves brain function.
Tip 3 - Nutrition
You are what you eat. A balanced diet is exactly that. Try avoiding heavily refined foods and concentrate on eating foods that offer a slow release of energy such as oatmeal, fruits and veggies, brown rice, cous-cous, quinoa, wheat, sourdough and rye breads. Good fats include omega-3 fats from fish, as well as olive and nut oils. Saturated fats should be limited. Follow the 80/20 rule. Eat healthy 80% of the time, and you "cheat" the rest of the time.
Tip 4 - Resistance is Not Futile
Obviously, you need to work your abs to get a flat stomach, but that does not mean you should only concentrate only on ab exercises. Simple resistance exercises can deliver lasting results. The weights do not have to be heavy. Even at home, you can use water bottles as light hand weights.
Tip 5 - Stand Up!
It is almost impossible to get a flat stomach if you stand badly. In today's world, most people have poor posture which affects the way they stand, sit and move. Kyphosis, or "hunched" shoulders, is very common because in today's world we do a lot of sitting, and when we sit we typically hunch over our desks or computers. Often associated with kyphosis is lordosis, or excessive arching of the lower back. Both of these conditions can make the abs look distended. Good posture is a combination of practicing standing, sitting and moving correctly, as well as practicing corrective postural exercises. It may sound silly, but think "shoulders back, chest out" when you walk. You'll walk and feel more confident, and your abs will naturally flatten.
