We all want to get rid of excess body fat. And because food is so good, we tend to eat more than what our body needs. The surpluses in this area become too painfully obvious in our bulging bellies. We affectionately call them love handles, but they are far from lovely. So we work our butts off, trying our best to get rid of them. Unfortunately, some information we work with as we attempt to lose the fat are myths that do more harm than good. Because of years of misinformation, these myths have somehow been viewed as truths when, in reality, they can be potentially dangerous to your health.

Before starting on any ab exercise, it's important that you know these fallacies and the truth behind all of them so you can formulate an ab workout routine that's both safe and effective. Here goes:

Myth #1: Doing endless crunches will lose the belly fat and trim your midsection.

Fact: This is the myth of spot reduction and that is what it is--a myth. No matter how many crunches you do, that won't do a thing to trim your bulging belly. A total body workout composed of cardio and strength training exercises is the only routine guaranteed to burn body fat, ugly stomach bulges included. Together with exercise, proper nutrition must also accompany all attempts to reduce belly fat.

Myth #2: Working out your abs everyday will make the belly fat go away.

Fact: Your abs are muscle. Like any muscle in the human body, you need to train them progressively, intensifying as you build more stamina. However, you can't do that seven days a week for hours on end. You need to give your muscles time to rest so that it can heal itself and eventually give you lean abs. An ideal strength training routine should last no more than an hour and should only be done for three to five days a week.

Myth #3: Exercising your ab muscles more compared to the rest of your body will burn all the excess tummy fat.

Fact: If you want to trim belly fat, you need to work towards reduction of your overall fat levels. Effective routines should not only focus on exercising the abdominals, but all the other muscles as well. Your chest, back, pelvic, arm, leg and calf muscles should also be exercised if you want to burn calories efficiently. You should also vary your abdominal exercises to get the best results. Moreover, you need to develop a strong core (comprised of the muscles in your abs, back and pelvis) so that you also achieve proper posture. Standing erect, holding your chin up as you keep a slight tension in your lower abs flattens your stomach and makes you appear taller and slimmer.

Now that you already know the truth about these myths, you should formulate your ab workout routine accordingly. Full body workouts composed of cardio exercises and strength training routines three to five times a week are ideal. Start slowly and gradually build intensity but don't overdo it. All your exercises must be accompanied with healthier food choices and eating habits. With these, you should be on your way to leaner abs in no time.