The quest to obtain those heavily sought after six pack abs goes hand in hand with weight loss and feeling fit. It can be extremely difficult because it requires a lot of hard work. However, the challenge to lose weight and get abs is very rewarding once you finally get there. You can slim down and get those washboard abs.
Step 1
Use cardio workouts to lose belly fat. Those infamous abdominal muscles cannot be seen under a thick layer of adipose tissue. This belly fat can hide even the strongest ab muscles. It is important to use high intensity cardio workouts such as running or elliptical machines as part of your daily workout. Once you burn the fat, you will begin to see the framework of your abs.
Step 2
Shape and define your abs with toning exercises. There are more than just six different abdominal muscles which are categorized into four groups: transversus abdominis, rectus abdominis, external obliques and internal obliques. The obliques are the lateral muscles on the sides of your torso which heavily contribute to the size of your waistline. It is critical to select a variety of ab exercises which work out all of your ab muscles. A traditional sit up predominantly utilizes your upper ab muscles. Incorporate exercises which emphasize your obliques and lower abs independently such as side crunches or lower leg lifts, respectively. Some machines or contraptions will try to engage all muscles with the same motion, but it is ideal to single out each muscle for additional attention and ultimate results.
Step 3
Strengthen and enhance the muscles. Now that the belly fat has subsided and you have targeted and toned each of your abdominal muscles, you can build these muscles into that well-defined stomach. To make each muscle protrude significantly, you will have to strengthen the muscle by adding weight exercises or providing resistance to your toning exercises.
Step 4
Constantly engage your abdominal core. A strong core is vital to having a strong body and being able to utilize that strength. With each exercise routine, whether targeting arms, legs, or full body, be sure to engage your core by keeping your abs contracted. This will not only enhance your core body strength, but it is also an excellent ab workout. Try stabilizing your ab muscles not only with exercise, but all throughout your day. Imagine that you are pulling your belly button to your spine as you walk or sit. This will not only improve your posture, but also keep your ab muscles tense and fit.
Step 5
Avoid alcohol and fatty foods that will hide all that hard work. Once you have defined and developed your abdominal muscles, do not hide them under necessary fat. It is very difficult to see abs under a beer belly or tire around the mid section. Keep focused on eating lean, raw foods that will not bloat your stomach or pack on the fat.
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