All of us wish for a washboard tummy but the very thought of all those sit-ups and stomach crunches put us off, right?

Well, there are other means of reducing your paunch, or rather, of stopping it from getting bigger, without even stepping into the gym. Check them out:

Improve your posture

If you spend long hours sitting at a desk, in front of a screen, chances are that you slouch, thus leaving the stomach loose and bulging. The first step towards a taut tummy is to never slouch, whether sitting, standing or walking. Says Merin, physiotherapist, Biorhythm fitness centre,”Weak back muscles affect the abs as well.

Something you can do while at your desk is to maintain a straight back, yet comfortable position. A chin up, shoulders back, stomach in posture while walking not only makes you look fitter but makes your tummy look flatter.”

Do stretch exercises at work

While at your workseat, stretch your back and pull in the stomach. Hold your breath and release. Sway from side to side a few times. Rest your arms on the armrest of the chair and lift your feet, one at a time. Hold for a few seconds and release. Repeat every half hour or as often as you can. There are also forced breathing techniques for the stomach which you can learn from a professional.

Walk to work

“A common misconception is that stomach crunches are the only way to a flat stomach. Stomach fat is just one part of general body fat; only it shows more,” points out Merin. She recommends walking or cycling instead of driving if your workplace is near, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator wherever possible.

A bulging tummy is the result of poor distribution of fat in the body, not necessarily a sign of obesity. Try out these tricks and see if you take off a few inches from your waist!