Can you achieve fast abs and stomach toning without injuring yourself or risking your health? The answer is, yes, although 'fast' does not mean 'instant' and results will not come without effort and work.

From television advertisements to department store shelves and fitness promotions, it seems like we are always being presented with so many innovative and 'fast' ways to achieve a perfectly toned body. Miracle pills, fad diets, and revolutionary exercise programs are being marketed with promises of guaranteed results that cost a lot of money but may not be the best for your body and probably won't deliver long-term benefits.

To achieve the six-pack or toned abs that you want takes time. There is really no magic pill or formula that will instantly transform your body, and reaching or maintaining your goals requires both time and consistency. But, don't worry!

Fast abs are not an impossibility.

In fact, most people can see the amazing results they were hoping for in just twelve weeks. Before beginning any program, it is necessary to make sure that it will not compromise your health or safety and that the expectations are reasonable. After all, reaching your goal is only half the battle - being able to maintain it is equally as important. Always remember, balance is the key!

Balanced Diet:

Today, there are so many crazy fad diets being promoted and thousands of people are risking their health in hopes of finding the effortless answer to weight loss.

But, the simple fact is, if you want healthy results you must make sure that you are following a healthy diet and nutrition plan.

Skipping meals or following unhealthy plans such as the starvation diet or programs that recommend eliminating food groups can be detrimental to your body. Unbalanced meals lead to the formation of bad eating habits which set unsafe patterns and often result in binge eating or a cycle of yo-yo weight loss and gain. Also, since many of these fads suggest avoiding important foods such as fruits or grains, your body becomes depleted of valuable nutrients, resulting in illness or disease and possibly causing damage to your heart or kidneys. Improper nutrition also contributes to low energy levels and mood imbalances.

The best way to achieve and maintain a toned body is to eat a healthy, balanced diet that will support your exercise program, give you energy, and help your body build muscle, fight disease, and stay strong.

Balanced Exercise:

A balanced workout program combined with a balanced eating plan will help you tone and tighten your stomach muscles.

Make sure to include both cardiovascular exercises and weight training in your routine because each offer their own benefits in overall health and fitness, and contribute to firm, defined abs.

Aerobic activities burn a lot of calories quickly and will help you lose unwanted fat to reveal the underlying muscle that you have worked so hard to gain.

Resistance training will allow you to build muscles which will improve your metabolism, even at rest. Since balance is the key, it is important to choose weight training for the entire body and to focus on working all the abdominal groups.

You will not get the abs you want from crunches alone.

Remember to include a well-balanced choice of exercises so that you can realize the maximum benefits from your workout routines.

Balanced Lifestyle:

Unhealthy diets do not contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Before beginning any diet or exercise program, it is important to consider your current health condition and then set reasonable goals based on how hard you are willing to work and how much time you have to invest.

Setting unrealistic goals will lead to discouragement and cause you to give up before you realize any results. By being honest with yourself and setting attainable milestones, you will be less overwhelmed and more prepared to do what is necessary to reach your dreams.

A healthy lifestyle also includes proper sleep patterns. Be sure to get at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night since a lack of sleep causes an increase in cortisol levels which is responsible for abdominal weight gain. Plus, feeling well rested and refreshed will make you more motivated to do those rigorous ab exercises.

Another way to help achieve fast abs and toned muscles is to eliminate any unnecessary stress from your life. Excessive or unmanaged stress affects blood sugar levels and contributes to an increase in cortisol production which can cause weight gain and negatively impact your muscle building potential. And, remember to take the time to have some fun! Being relaxed and happy will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and make wiser food and exercise choices.

There is no easy, miracle solution to getting lean, toned, six-pack abs.

Results that last require consistency, effort, and a balanced approach to diet, exercise, and lifestyle management. With the right attitude and healthy choices, you can get the great fast abs you want in a surprisingly short time.