Hugh Jackman, Christina Aguilera, Mark Wahlberg and Jessica Biel; what do all these A-List celebrities have in common? They are renowned for their sexy 6 pack abs. A slim, defined midsection demonstrates physical fitness and – let’s face it – looks great without or without clothes! If you think sculpted abs are exclusive to celebrities with personal chefs and hours to work out, then you’re absolutely wrong. With the right training, you too can have an enviably taut tummy. In this article, we’ll show you how to get six pack abdominals without spending endless hours at the gym.
The key to an effective six pack abs workout is to choose exercises that fatigue your ab muscles, so that they actually need recovery time. Include some exercises that use the abs functionally; in other words, the way they’re used in real life. For example, abdominals are used to stabilize the body. Feel this function by holding a push-up position without letting your belly sag. Don’t do the push-up – just keep holding the position and feel your abs stretch and contract to stabilize your body. As you become stronger, put your feet up on a weight bench or a stability ball.
Many people are now using exercise balls to get stronger, leaner and flat abs. This is an exercise for people at a more advanced fitness level. Using a large exercise ball, begin in a push-up position and place your shins on top of the exercise ball. Keep your back completely straight and pull your knees in towards your chest. Allow the ball to roll forward under your ankles. Be sure to contract your abs at the peak of the movement and then straighten your legs, rolling the ball back to the starting position. You’ll feel the burn after just a few reps.
If you prefer to work on your six pack abdominals at the gym, then use cable crunches to strengthen your entire midsection. The cable crunch is very similar to the reverse ab crunch that you would do on the floor. Instead of lying on your back, you are in the kneeling position with your back slightly arched. Holding the ends of the rope, you are effectively crunching towards your knees. You can also alternate the exercise to work the oblique muscles by crunching from side to side.
Regardless of your fitness level, strengthening your stomach muscles has a lot of benefits. A strong core can decrease your risk of developing heart diseases, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. This is because by working your abs you are burning body fat, and the less of it there is means that you have a lower chance of developing these diseases. A strong midsection also reduces your chances of being injured during sports or when doing heavy lifting. You don’t necessarily have to have six pack abdominals worthy of a fitness magazine, but a strong core will definitely make you feel better.
Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treating panic disorder as well as tips on the various anxiety disorder medications available at www.anxietydisordercure.com.
Beth Kaminski is a leading expert in the help with panic attacks and has been publishing lots of information on the best anxiety disorder medication for years now.
