Does your button get pushed when it comes to bellies?

By Shari Levine

We can all thank celebrities and models for the trends in women's fashion - belly shirts and hipsters. Their tanned, toned bare bellies look great in these clothes. Does yours?

How do you feel about your belly?

My friend Elizabeth has a tight, flat belly that she cannot wait to show off in a bikini. Belly shirts and bathing suits are among her favorite clothes. Two years ago she pierced her navel and proudly shows off her golden hoop whenever possible. Elizabeth doesn't diet or exercise to keep her belly flat - she inherited this feature from her parents.

On the other hand, I have always had a rounded belly that sticks out. No matter how many sit-ups I do, my stomach will never be completely flat. I've always been bothered by it, since a six-pack is considered sexy in our culture. Luckily, I live in Vermont. For 9 months of the year, layers of clothing hide my belly. But every year when summer arrives, so does my belly obsession. We curvy girls know that you can't hide your belly in a bathing suit, even a one-piece.

Last summer I tried a different approach - I embraced my belly and refused to obsess over it. For the first time in my life I went to the beach in a bathing suit and did not suck in my stomach. It was hard at first, but after a while I felt amazingly free. Instead of lying flat on my towel, trying to hide my jelly belly, I swam, played volleyball and even ate a sandwich! At last the beach was a fun place to be instead of a torture chamber.

Not Just an Ornament - What Your Abs Do For You

Your abdominal muscles (abs) stretch from your ribs to your hips. These muscles protect your internal organs, and support your body so that you can stand, twist from side to side and bend at the waist. Whether tight or curvy, toning your stomach muscles (abdominals) can help to improve your balance, and your performance in all sports, especially basketball, ballet, and even yoga.

Improve Form and Function: Exercises that will Strengthen Your Abs

Two different muscle groups wrap around your stomach:

• The rectus abdominis muscles run down the front of your body
• The external (outer) and internal (inner) oblique muscles are on the sides of your stomach.

Crunches - Isolate and strengthen your rectus abdominis muscles

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.

2. Put your hands behind your head (elbows pointing to the sides) and look straight up at the ceiling (not at your knees).

3. Exhale as you lift your upper body. To isolate and tone your abdominal muscles, you must keep your elbows toward the sides of your head, and your lower back on the floor.

4. Inhale as you lower your head back to the floor.

5. Repeat. Start with two sets of 15 crunches, resting in between.

Crunches with a Twist - Specifically for the oblique muscles

1. Lie on the floor and place your hands behind your head so that your elbows stick out to the sides.

2. Cross your right leg over your left knee, and lift your left leg off the floor.

3. Exhale while you lift your upper body and twist it toward your left leg.

4. Inhale as you lower your head and your left leg to the floor.

5. Repeat 20 times and then switch sides.

Bicycle

1. Lie on the floor with your hands behind your head

2. Exhale as you lift your head and upper body.

3. Lift your left leg off the floor and bend your knee.

4. Touch your left knee with your right elbow.

5. Inhale as you lower your head and leg.

6. Repeat with the other leg/elbow. Do 20 on each side.

Many important organs live inside your belly like your stomach, liver, and kidneys, to name a few. Try to remember that your belly is not just for fashion -- it has many important functions. Take care of it, feed it, and keep it strong. At the same time, enjoy it, decorate it, and show it off when you want to.