A weak core is likely the reason you don't have a flat stomach.

[jozifp103]

Do you have a protruding stomach or bloated looking abs even when you're lean? Sure it may be visceral fat, or gas, or poor digestion....but it could also be the result of a WEAK CORE.


Your core needs to have a balance. Abs, lower back, hip flexors, glutes, etc. all have to be balanced in strength to have proper posture and avoid strains and pains. Let's be honest, some of us tend to neglect the muscles that don't stand out at the beach and forget to work the "functional" muscles.


Neglecting your core muscles while continually building your "beach muscles" will lead to you becoming top heavy without the proper support system underneath to hold it up. Without the proper help from your core muscles, more weight is being put directly on the spine. The spine has a mild natural arch to it to allow for some shock absorption...however when extra weight/strain is being put on your spine, it will start to bend more.


Think of pole vaulting. When the athlete plants the pole and begins to ascend the pole bends or "arches" due to the weight of the athlete. Now imagine that pole is your spine...

This constant exaggerated arch in your spine can lead to a condition called Hyperlordosis which is another term for Anterior Pelvic Tilt.


What happens is, when your spine's arch is exaggerated it forces your pelvis to tilt itself forward. Eventually your core muscles adapt to this posture and and strengthen in this position sort of "locking" it in place and making it harder to correct down the road.

This pelvic tilt forces your stomach/abdomen outward giving you that "beer belly" look. So even when you're lean it may look like you always have a protruding or rounded mid section.


Moral of the story...STRENGTHEN YOUR CORE.