Attaining Six Pack Abs the Natural Way

Attaining Six Pack Abs the Natural Way

Six Pack abs not only make one look good but also help in maintaining proper posture that is very beneficial for the back too. However, six packs still remain elusive even after trying different diet plans and various exercise routines. The following simple diet modification and exercises will help one attain the perfect abs without involving any unhealthy diet plans and expensive gyms and machines.

A lean stomach is achieved by two things:

Burning Fat: No amount of abs building will lead to six packs if there is layer of fat covering it. In most cases, even if the muscle is developed, the flab will not let the abs reveal them. Fat can be reduced by:

1. Good diet: One of the best ways to reduce fat is by eliminating fatty, fried and fast foods from the diet and going in for lots of fruits and veggies as they are high in energy and provide the necessary fibers to the body. It is never advisable to starve oneself; eating healthy until one is full helps a person feel satiated and yet does not lead to fat being accumulated in the body.
2. Cardio exercises: 45 – 60 minutes should be dedicated to cardiovascular exercises at least 4 days a week. Brisk walking, jogging, aerobics, cycling and swimming are some of the best ways to lose fat from the body.

Developing Muscle: Simply burning fat will not lead to six pack abs. It is necessary to build the muscles in the abdominal area using some simple abs exercises such as:

1. Abdominal crunches: Standard crunches and vertical leg crunches (crunches with legs raised at 90 degree angle) are very effective in building abs.
2. Oblique’s: Twisting while doing sit-ups, bending from side to side (with or without weights) and twisting on the spot using a ball etc are good exercises for the oblique’s and love handles.
3. Sit-ups: These are probably the most debated exercises in terms of their effectiveness as many feel they do not work the abs much. However, many trainers still recommend these and many people vouch for their results, so sit-ups would be a good exercise for the abs too.
4. Leg-Raises: Lifting your legs to 45 degrees and then 90 degrees while lying flat on your back is also a very effective exercise in building abs.

In the end, it boils down to long-term commitment, as there is no shortcut to a washboard stomach. Building abs requires a lot of hard work and dedication. It really helps if a friend works out with you as partners can motivate each other and will ensure that the exercises are done correctly.

Just don't forget that you have to watch what you eat too. Become aware that 3,500 calories is one pound and that one Dunkin Donuts Apple Crumb Donut is 460 calories and their Apple'n Spice Donut is 240 calories so make smart choices! Also don't forget that you can walk on a treadmill almost and hour and still be under 500 calories burnt!

Think before you eat!