Achieving the coveted six-pack abs is a goal for many people. The most obvious reason is because they are attractive. Another reason is because they are difficult to obtain. It takes discipline to develop a six-pack and discipline to maintain it as well. I have read different articles on the topic and most of the advice is pretty much the same.
So What's the Big Secret to the Six-Pack?
There are varying opinions but it all comes down to two basic things:
1. Fat burning
2. Nutrition
I once heard that everyone has a six-pack. It's just for some of us, they are hidden under a layer of fat. In order for them to show, the fat layer must be burned off, also known as lowering your overall body fat percentage. There are different ways to burn fat but the most common way that I've learned is by building muscle. The reason being that muscle burns fat, so the more you have, the more you will burn. Building muscle is typically done by lifting weights.
Cardio also burns fat but I have read various opinions about what type of cardio is best. HIIT (high intensity interval training) is often suggested as a better option than long periods of steady state cardio. HIIT is supposed to burn fat more effectively and even long after your workout is done. I personally enjoy HIIT because the workouts are short and there is a lot of variety in terms of exercises you can do.
Ab exercises are also key but shouldn't be the main focus of exercise when trying to burn fat.
Nutrition
Those abs aren't going to show so long as you eat an unhealthy diet. If your goal is to have rock hard abs, then it is crucial that you take your nutrition seriously. It has to be just as important as your workouts. If you don't, you will be holding yourself back. Good eating habits involve staying away from processed food. Eating clean is a good option but not many people can commit to it. It means eating 5 to 6 small meals per day. Staying clear of junk food and alcohol. You cook most of your meals yourself and modify your meals when dining out. It takes a lot of discipline.
Do you have a goal of achieving six-pack abs? What is your opinion how to go about it?
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
When I was in my teens it was effortless for me to keep a six pack. The older I get the harder it is to get and keep a relaxed state six pack. But that’s fine, because the older I get the more I realize that having a six pack is not that big of a deal to me.
Achieving perfect abs must start with the basics such as push ups & sit ups. Jogging and running too and also do not forget eating the right foods.
Diet and nutrition are really the more important elements when you want a six-pack. Hard workouts and additional muscle mass can burn fat in the long term for sure, but that really won’t help if you keep adding more and more fat via a bad diet.
If you want to be absolutely serious of getting a six-pack, then fixing your diet should be one of your concentrated priorities.
Thanks for the informative post. I like how you included that nutrition has to be involved because most people just leave that part out and say you have to just do ab workouts
Totally true about fixing your diet. Anyone know of sure-fire foods (less fatty foods is obvious, but stuff like more protein? more whole grains?) that can help speed up getting a six-pack?
I’ve been working toward six pack abs just by eating healthy, performing HIIT, and doing heavy lifting. I’m fairly close and think it’s only a matter of time before my abs really pop. However, living in the Northeast, I don’t get to show my abs off all that much so they’re not as big a deal as they might be elsewhere. Having a strong core is more important than having visible abs in my opinion.
You hit the nail on the head. Most people think that all you have to do is crunches to get a six pack to show. But in addition to fat burning and nutrition, you also need to be self-disciplined to follow good eating habits and work out regularly. One missed workout or an evening of binge eating and drinking could set you back and derail your efforts.
Nutrition is the lacked in allot of peoples ab training, keeping a strict diet and dedication to your workout plan. Plenty of different work out plans and supplements out there to help you get your abs in shape.
Great article. For most of us health fanatics this is almost common knowledge, yet it still amazes me how some people still have a misconception that doing a thousand sit-ups a day will give you a six-pack! Diet and cardio exercise are the two most important factors in developing a visible six-pack, crunches come third on the list!