Best Ways To Get Six Pack Abs

Layered ingeniously to fulfill their mission of keeping your internal organs in place in addition to twisting and bending your torso, your abdominal muscles can be toned and tightened in numerous ways. The best ways to get six pack abs, according to the National Strength and Conditioning Association, involve training all of the different layers of abdominal muscles, cardiovascular activities and smart eating strategies.

Physioball

Physioballs, also known as Swiss balls or just plain exercise balls, provide excellent platforms for challenging the abdominal muscles. The unstable surface demands greater muscular recruitment with every crunch. As a bonus, leaning back slightly over the top arc of the ball so that your stomach muscles stretch makes your abs contract with more force, a phenomenon known as "the pre-stretch response."

Pilates

Still popular 70 years after its creation, the Pilates method of conditioning targets the entire body with particular emphasis on the abdominal muscles. Exercises such as "the Hundred," "the Saw" and "The Roll-Over" hit the abs from every angle. This technique is best learned from an expert, and classes can be found at most fitness facilities.

Cable Station

The cable station in your fitness center can help you sculpt your abs by challenging muscle groups in different ways. Movements patterns similar to chopping wood and swinging a golf club provide rotation to whittle your waist. Kneeling cable crunches strengthen and define the rectus abdominis, the vertical band of muscle that makes up the main visible portion of your six pack.

Cardiovascular Activity

The strongest abdominal muscles in the world won't be noticed if they're covered in a layer of fat. Becoming lean allows all of your hard core work to shine. Choose activities that you enjoy and that get your heart and lungs pumping, such as jogging, dancing, cycling or kickboxing.

Smart Nutrition

Poor food choices could undo all of your hard work. Eating right keeps your body fat down so that your abs can look their best. Smart nutrition revolves around portion-controlled, minimally processed food such as fresh vegetables, fruits, lean sources of protein and whole grains.