Shape up for the crop top
These cut blouses are back in vogue, but they won't do your style quotient much good if you have tummy flab. Here's how to shed the kilos for that perfect look
It's time to bring out the tiny blouses from the back of your wardrobe: Yes, the cropped top is back again, with Katy Perry, Gwyneth Paltrow, Selena Gomez, Cheryl Cole and Diane Kruger flaunting it, along with their to-die-for abs.
Whether you pair them with skirts or shorts, wearing these tops will need you to sweat a bit. Contrary to popular belief, having crop-top-worthy abs isn't about endless crunches. For most women, you can't see their abs because they have too much belly fat. There is no magic pill that enables spot fat reduction. "The best way to get into that crop top or achieve your general fitness goals is through a comprehensive total-body workout," says Candice Howe, Dubai-based Reebok athlete and CrossFit ambassador. "A combination of jogging, skipping and stair climbing, with body-weight exercises such as lunges, squats, push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups will help." Posture, she says, is also important to look good in a crop top.
If you are really looking at shedding those kilos, give a bit of thought to what you eat. Howe says that a healthy, balanced lifestyle is the best way to establish and maintain a fit body.
"Quick-fix diets and extreme training regimes are effective in the short term. However, they are rarely healthy and the results are rarely sustainable. A balanced and healthy diet, and a challenging exercise programme that you enjoy are the best way to achieve and maintain a fit body," Howe says.
Howe recommends the Paleo diet for better results. "I have found this to be very effective for clients of all ages, shapes and sizes. The Paleo diet is all about eating in the same way our ancestors did, which involves eating food that can be hunted or gathered — for example meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, roots and nuts. If this isn't for you, eating a healthy diet high in vegetables, fruit, high protein sources and moderate amounts of healthy fat will definitely help. Cutting out sugar, fast food and processed food, and ensuring you drink enough water to hydrate and clear toxins are imperative," Howe says.
"Pay for your wellness," Howe adds. "As with any exercise regime, it is critical that you use correct technique. High-intensity exercise is no different. It is definitely worth investing in the knowledge and expertise of a trainer or a coach. If you can't afford to work with a coach all the time, most good gyms will offer a comprehensive introduction. Group classes can also help."
