Who knows what the future holds? Perhaps one day we’ll be able to swallow a few pills and have an instant six-pack, but for now, we just have to accept that it’s going to take some work.
For some strange reason people always refer to their abs as a stomach although essentially our stomach is just one of our organs. Admittedly though, it does feel as though it’s our abs which are hurting when in fact it’s our stomach. Either way, in order to keep matters simple we’ll go ahead and continue using the term “six-pack abs” or a “six-pack stomach”.
The inevitable truth regarding a six-pack is that a combination of activities are required so if you’re relying solely on weight training, or solely on cardio, you’re going to be disappointed. Considering that a calorie deficit is required in order for fat to be burned, cardio is very beneficial in that it burns calories. Interestingly enough, one needs to burn up 3500 calories for each pound of fat they wish to loose.
The reason why weight training is so beneficial is because it builds muscle, and muscles in turn burn fat. In fact, your muscles will burn fat 24 hours a day. It’s undeniable that weight training is a huge asset to abs workouts because even during days when you’re not training your muscles will still be burning fat.
Okay, so you’re doing cardio and you’re also doing some weight training, but remember food is what fuels your body.
Way back in the early days everyone used to eat natural foods such as bacon, beef, and even biscuits and cake made from flour and real butter, so how was it even possible for them to stay in shape? Well, it was easy really, because they were burning up all that fat by the very nature of their existence.
Do yourself a favor and ignore those fancy products you see on the infomercials. Sure they claim they can give you a six-pack, but the truth is they can’t. Great looking abs comes from doing abdominal exercises.
Ideally you should concentrate on a variety of exercises keeping in mind that those which burn fat and build muscle simultaneously are by far the best. Likewise, combination exercises which work multiple muscles are also highly recommended.
Knee Lift Shoulder Press
Before you start with this one you should know that it’s best to start of with relatively light weights. Knees should be apart and in line with your shoulders. Arms must be bent at the elbows while holding the weight level with your ears.
Raise your left knee up towards the weight in your left hand but at the same time raise both arms up above your head. This exercise causes your abs muscles to work as you are forced to balance yourself. Additionally, it’s also a great exercise for your shoulders.
Reverse Lunge Kick
This is a very effective combination exercise as it works not only your abs but also the quadriceps and gluteus maximius. Once again, with weights in hands, move your left leg out behind yourself in a wide stance and then lunge downwards. When you return to your original position, you need to do a front kick with the opposite leg. This routine should then be repeated with the opposite leg. This is exceptionally good for developing your abs as it works on the entire area.
Salsa Dancing
Salsa dancing requires the dancer to perform a vast amount of spins, kicks and twists, all of which work the abs from all sides. When one considers how many such movements there are in the average routine, it’s hardly surprising then that dancers have such shapely waists and such well defined abs.
So, do you still want a six-pack? Of course you do! Just remember that together with a suitable diet you need to keep those abs working.