5 Steps to Getting Six Pack Abs
By Erik Neilson
, last updated December 21, 2011
Getting six pack abs is something that just about anyone who is interested in fitness works towards. The fact is, gaining a six pack is far easier said than done, and requires both perseverance and dedication. Between diet, exercise and many other individualized factors, the chances of getting a six pack differ from person to person and can be affected by a variety of different elements. The following are just five tips to help you work towards getting a six pack, all of which are relatively easy to integrate into your daily routine.
Drink Green Tea
In order to get a six pack, you need to do whatever is necessary in order to cut down on body fat. One of the best ways to eliminate fat is to boost your metabolism. Green tea is not only delicious, but can drastically help to boost the metabolism, which is ideal for those who are trying to lose fat. One cup in the morning can make a profound difference; not to mention the fact that green tea is loaded with antioxidants.
Avoid Focusing on “Ab Exercises”
Many people believe that the best way to work towards a six pack is to focus on doing ab exercises such as crunches and sit-ups as often as possible. The fact is, “targeting” your workout may seem like a good idea, but has actually not been proven to be effective in comparison to sticking to a more well-rounded exercise regimen. As a result, you should strive to put less focus ab exercises. Rather, stick to a regimen that works the entire body for best results.
Reduce Your Alcohol Intake
Alcohol can have a large impact on one’s ability to tone muscle and lose body fat. Not only is alcohol loaded with empty calories, but it can actually delay the body’s ability to deal with food calories, which can lead to storing extra fat. If you must drink, strive to limit your intake to one alcoholic drink per sitting; less if possible.
Hire a Personal Trainer
Building a six pack is one of the most difficult fitness goals that one can work towards. This being said, you may want to hire the help of a personal trainer. Personal trainers are not only effective at helping one reach their fitness goals, but can cut down dramatically on wasted time that often occurs when people try to develop their own fitness plan. While hiring a personal trainer isn’t always inexpensive, it can be well worth spending the money.
Learn to Know When to Stop
Getting a six pack is all about pacing yourself. It’s not uncommon for people to overstep their boundaries when it comes to strength training and cardio, which can quickly lead to burn-out. Those who take their time and slowly build up their workout regimen, however, stand a much better chance of meeting their goals. If your body hurts after a day of working out, be a good listener and take at least one day off from hitting the gym in order to avoid injury.