Get The Best Out Of Your Ab Workout Routines

Having the right ab workout routines is essential to get six pack abs, along with a proper diet and exercise program. Most people get so wrapped up in the idea that they need to dedicate ab exercises into every workout. This is not true.

Most exercises also incorporate your abs to some extent. Since your core is the balance system of your body exercises like squats work not just the legs but also rely on surrounding muscle groups to perform the action.

Properly using compound exercises will let you save a little bit time in the long run as well. You won't have to dedicate a couple of sets just for your ab work. If you did, you run the risk over training, and that can actually keep you from seeing the fruits of your labor.

The Two Schools Of Core Activation

To get wash board abs you need to efficiently contract your core muscles. Dynamic ways to do this are using crunches, and it's variants, or an exercise like mountain climbers that activate your abs. These are good for firming up your upper and lower abs so they look toned.

Yet, there are several other ways to get wash board abs. Isometric exercises are used to help not just focus on the outer muscles like the Rectus Abdominus and Obliques (internal and external), but work the layers of muscle below the surface.

Isometric Exercises Activate Deep Muscles

Applying isometrics to your ab workout is not about getting wash board abs. What the benefit actually is has to do with providing support for your spine and lower back. Since they work your deep muscles and the transverse abdominus, you will have a more stabilized core.

The plank is a good beginner isometric exercise to try out. It provides enough muscle activation by holding a certain position while under tension for a given length of time. The idea behind the plank is to start with your forearms on the floor and lift up your torso as if you were to to a push up. The key is to hold your midsection firm, with your belly button pulled towards the spine. The exercise can last anywhere between 15-30 seconds, depending on your level of fitness.

Schedule Your Ab Workouts Appropriately

Some trainers suggest ab routines should be performed three out of five days a week. I've found better gains by limiting abdominal exercises to any where between two to three days of the week. You can opt to include your ab workout routine with your cardio sessions, or after strength training. They should act in a supportive role to your main fitness program.

Nutrition Is...Well... A Balanced Diet

Changing your eating schedule and the portions of your meals should be among the first goals to set to achieve six pack abs.

Space out your meals, between five to six a day, evenly while only consuming the adequate amount of calories required to keep you satisfied until your next meal. Drinking enough water through out the day will keep your hunger away as well.

Your meals should mainly consist of protein and vegetables. Avoid most carbs. The reason behind the carb ban is your body will convert them to glycogen, which is a good thing for the brain and your muscles. But when too much is generated that can be absorbed, the glycogen is transformed and stored as fat. And that's a bad thing when you need to get the shrink wrapped ab look.

Knowing how to use your ab workout routines with the proper exercises and nutrition plan is how you will win your battle of the bulge, and get those extremely sexy six pack abs.


Mitchell Wright runs the "no-gym" lifestyle website Qwikbody.com [http://www.qwikbody.com/]. His focus is to be in great shape by getting in a work out from home [http://www.qwikbody.com/], the office, park, beach...or just about anywhere life is waiting to be lived.

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