Articles written by Devin Sherrington about health, wellness and fitness in regular column called Fit to Be Tried in the Daily News:

The Daily News - Fit to Be Tried by Devin Sherrington

"How can I get a washboard stomach?" People in gyms across the country ask this question everyday. It'll take some hard work, but if you stick to it there's no reason you can't be flaunting a six-pack by summer.

First some bad news. Unfortunately most people just can't achieve that result through exercise alone. There are the fortunate few, evil people, who naturally have toned stomachs. But the rest of us can do crunches until the cows come home and they'll never see their abdominal muscles.

The reason is people are trying to spot reduce, in other words drop fat on one part of their body. Trying to spot reduce is as effective as spitting into the wind. Your body can't be forced to lose fat in one certain area.

But there is hope. I've put together some simple tricks to get leaner and show off that stomach you've always wanted.

Try to eat more often. Sounds silly I know, but your body is not really made to eat three big meals a day. It will burn calories more efficiently if you eat four to six small meals a day. Those meals should be low in fat and calories.

Drink more water. The reason is about 60 percent of your body is water. If you are not drinking enough your body will hold onto the water it already has, causing you to hold weight. Drinking more will cause your body to be healthy and drop a few pounds.

So now that you're working on your diet it's time to work your stomach. Here are a few exercises to get you started.

Crunches. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Keep your lower back pressed to the floor. Your hands should be gently cradling the back of your head. Your chin should be up. Slowly roll forward. Your lower back should be in contact with the floor at all times. At the top of the exercise squeeze your stomach hard then slowly return to the start. Do three sets of 10 to 20 repetitions.

Second are leg lifts. Lie down on the floor. Place your hands, palms down, at your sides. Keep your lower back pressed to the floor. Keeping your legs straight and knees together, raise your feet until your legs are at a 90-degree angle with your upper body. Then slowly lower your legs until your heels are a few inches off the floor. Hold for one second then raise them up again. Do three sets of 10 to 20 repetitions.

Last is the oblique twist. Lie on your back with your knees bent and about shoulder width apart. Put your right hand on your head behind your right ear. Bringing your shoulders up, twist at the waist so your right elbow heads for your left knee. Squeeze your stomach at the top. Do three sets of 10 to 20 repetitions.

Once you get bored with my exercise suggestions, buy yourself a video or ask a trainer at your local gym to show you some new ones. Don't be afraid to try new methods. Adding variety to your stomach routine will keep you from getting bored and giving up. Just remember...only 142 days to summer.