subject: The Six Pack Abs Myth Exposed - A Better Way to Get Ripped [print this page] The Six Pack Abs Myth Exposed - A Better Way to Get Ripped
The common assumption is that if you want six pack abs, you should do crunches. Yea, and if you're really serious some decline bench crunches, and maybe some ab work on an exercise ball. Tons of crunches will mean more 'cut' abs and give you that six pack.
Wrong. Though not entirely...
Yes, to get a six pack you need to do ab exercises. And that's what you see when you look at someone with a six pack - their abs. But what you don't see is all the background work that allows those well-developed abs to shine through. There are several components that you don't normally see when you
1. Cardio
You need to get rid of fat before you can see abs on anyone, no matter how small or large they are. Cardio (running, biking, sprinting, curling, etc.) will help you burn off those calories. The
2. Diet
Also, you need to eat well. Eat less calories than you need and you will drop the weight. You also need to eat frequently, eat the right foods, and not cut your calories by too much - otherwise you're body will think it's starving and try to lay on as much fat as possible.
Adhering to a good diet is essential.
3. Weight Training
Rarely will you see someone with a six pack who doesn't lift weights. Weight training is a great way not only to exercise and use up calories you're eating, but it's also a great way to add muscle.
The additional muscle will give you the appearance of being more 'ripped' overall. Also, doing ab exercises with weights will make you abs larger than you could with just body-weight ab exercises.
4. Time
Yea, sorry; Rome wasn't built in a day. it doesn't take forever, but depending on your level of fitness you will have to stick to this routine for several months. It's not easy.
But fortunately, it can be simple.
Do one thing at a time. Start running, then add weight lifting to your ab exercise routine. Then start eating well. Watch yourself, and don't give up.
