A tight, flat tummy with washboard abs is something a lot of people aspire to. The good news is, with diet, exercise and a little commitment, just about everyone can have the six pack abs they’ve always dreamed of. With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start sculpting your body into something you can be proud to show off.
One thing to remember is that you will need dedication. There’s no shortcut to a perfect body, but with a little work you can see incredible results! Here are tried and true steps to getting those rock hard abs you desire.
Diet is key
While exercise is incredibly important, what you put into your body is just as vital. If you’re trying to lose fat as well as build muscle, exercise alone won’t do the trick. For super-fast results and a rock-hard body, cut calories and watch your nutrition.
For developing abs, focus on cutting out simple carbohydrates and most hyperprocessed food. Up your protein intake and try to get a good amount of healthy fats (think nuts, olive oil, peanut butter, etc.). If you absolutely can’t do without starchy or carb-laden foods, try to keep those only to days you work out a lot. This way, when your metabolism spikes after your workout you’ll burn them off much faster.
Get moving
Exercise is key for sculpting your ab muscles. However, it’s not just about doing exercises, it’s also about what exercises you do. Cardio is a lot of fun, but it won’t build up your core muscles very fast. Instead, you need to focus on your abs and do a lot of core-strengthening moves.
Some of the best moves for getting abs are sit-ups and crunches, though there are a lot more exercises that work surrounding muscle groups as well. Incorporate leg lifts, bicycle crunches and planks for a whole-core workout that will support your abs and make your whole body look trim and tight.
It’s a great idea to combine cardio and strength training, especially if you are also trying to lose a bit of weight. The combination of the two gets your heart rate up as well as your muscles burning. This means higher metabolism, better energy, and a more satisfying session!
Don’t give up
Building abs isn’t an overnight process. If you fall off the diet and exercise wagon, don’t feel discouraged or give up entirely. Just tell yourself you’ll do better tomorrow and stick to it. If you’re the sort who enjoys instant gratification, instead of focusing on seeing your abs, focus on your sore muscles and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with a good workout.
Getting abs in time for summer is possible, but it takes hard work. Eating right and doing the proper exercises are really the only foolproof way to get a washboard stomach. Just remember to up the protein and healthy fats and to work out your whole core.