AB-solute secrets!

Besides the biceps, I think the next most “fit” indicator that people always strive for are abs.

 

But there are many myths and tips and secrets to building that popping six pack, so many that some people don’t know how to achieve it or are let down when they don’t find what they are looking for.

 

Secret number 1 – everyone has abs, just like everyone has muscles. It’s the ability to see them on people that varies. So lower body fat = visual abs.

Secret number 2 – you don’t need a special “abs day”! If you set up your free weight sessions correctly you can avoid needing a separate day for your abs. Standing with your feet together during most exercises and locking/holding your core while performing these exercises will strengthen your core while you work out your other body parts. To really make them pop, or to strengthen your core (you might struggle with the feet together thing) then you can have a separate abs day to focus on weak points in your core.

Secret number 3 – everyone has a different looking ab structure. Just like the uniqueness of your finger print, your abs are stacked different to everyone else. So don’t feel bad if your abs seem to look disjointed. Mine are stacked like a brick structure, they seem to be slightly offset from one side to the other.

Secret number 4 – you cannot spot target your stomach for body fat loss. Sad but true, just doing ab exercises will not lose fat from around your abs. Just as you cannot spot target fat loss on any other part of your body, it comes down to genetics and luck.

Secret number 5 – you can attack the abs like any other muscle group. To grow use heavy weights/resistance + lower reps and to tone light weight/resistance + higher reps. But remember, as you grow your abs your overall core will increase in size, which from a visual stand point, could make your lower body seem thicker rather than slimmer. SO if your’re looking for a flat and trim stomach, you might want to consider how much ab exercise you do…

Secret number 6 – there are no secret tips to make your stomach fat disappear. Sad I know because there seem to be so many links on the web through sidebar advertising that claim it… there is never a fitness miracle. The miracle is plain and simple health and fitness as a lifestyle, not a FAD diet or trick.

 

So now the secret is out, are you going to get your abs out for summer?