There are a number of key requirements to fulfil in the quest for those elusive ripped abs, obviously a strict diet and a great workout plan are a must because without losing that excess fat from our bellies we will never get to see the six pack underneath. Remember, ripped six pack abs are not just created by repetitive exercises, they are already there!
There are so many factors that will dictate our natural physique, age and gender are just two, but it is our genes that determine where you will store body fat. Some people will store fat around their thighs and butts, this tends to be women, and guys have more of a tendency to store their body fat around their stomachs, especially as they approach middle age. It is vital then that you develop an understanding of how your body stores, uses and burns fat.
The body uses fat and carbohydrates as an energy source. The level of intensity in your exercising will determine how much fat or carbs you will burn. The commonly held theory is that the lower the intensity of the exercise the more fat you will burn. In fact you will even see it in black and white on the cardio machines at the gym. The "Fat Burning Zone" means that the lower the intensity and the longer you work, normally at around 50-60% of your maximum heart rate then the more fat you will burn for energy. The higher your intensity then the more likely you are to use up carbs as fuel.
The thing to remember however, is that it doesn't matter at all how much fat you are burning if you are not burning off enough calories. Fat loss can only happen if you are burning more energy than you are taking in and exercising at a higher intensity is the best way to achieve this. Remember, energy in versus energy out equals fat loss. It's actually quite a simple equation.
Now don't think that there is not a place for a low intensity cardio workout, there is. It would be a good idea however, to mix up your cardio workouts with some real high intensity training. Perhaps 20 minutes at around 80-85% of your maximum heart rate on any cardio machine. Interval training, perhaps sprinting at full speed for a minute then walking for a minute etc, will give you all the intensity you will ever need to burn calories as well as fat.
Also try to fit in the odd moderately intense cardio session as well, 75% of your maximum heart rate should do the trick. Muscular definition and ripped abs are there for you, as long as you can combine your cardio with a great strength training programme. Lifting heavy weights is a fantastic way to burn fat as it actively increases your metabolic rate and of course preserves your muscle mass. The more muscle you have the more calories you will burn in preserving it in your everyday activities., so even just walking around will help to burn fat.
All it really takes is a commitment to do something every day, even if it to just take a brisk walk, as that will push your body into fat burning mode. Then, and only then will you get to see those ripped abs and that great physique hidden underneath.
