Fab Abs!

We want all sculpted legs, buff arms, and a tight tush, but the most sought after body part for women is a firm, flat stomach and for men it is six pack abs. What is the secret? Well, there’s not just one to pin-point, but there are several things to keep in mind when it comes your mid-section:

First, it is important to remember that everyone’s body is different. Some people naturally have flat stomachs or even defined abs without doing any or very little abdominal. While others practically kill themselves by having to follow a strict, consistent abs-routine trying to get that chiseled, washboard look. So based on your genetics, you need to know what to expect. Also some parts of your abdominals may tone easier than others; some people’s obliques are more toned than there rectus abdominals and vice versa, etc. Also, different people store fat in different places. For example, on me, my upper body and mid-section have always been the areas where I have been blessed, while I store pretty much all of my body fat in my butt and upper-thighs, even though I exercise these parts of my body just as much as my mid-section and arms. This is very common in women. Men on the other hand, tend to store more fat around their abdominal area. But, this is only typical, not necessarily true for everyone.

You should change up your abs-routine. I have so many people tell me about how they have had the same abs-routine for the past four years! This is a big fat, NO! You need to constantly change up your abs-routine, and since there are so many different exercises for your abs, this is not hard to do. There are many different ways in which you can mix up your abs-routines.
Cardio is crucial. I know one trainer who actually tells some clients not to even bother working out abs because “cardio does it for you.” While, I do not agree with him, because I can certainly tell a difference when I do abs, he makes a good point that cardio is a crucial part of getting results. No matter how strong and beautiful your abs may be, if there is a stubborn layer of fat covering them, then they will never be seen . That is why it is important to keep doing cardio (and not just do toning exercises) in order to melt the fat away and reveal those fabulous abs underneath!

Over doing it is a waste of time. People often ask me, “How often should I work out my abs?” In general, I have found that if you about 3 to 4 well-focused abs sessions per week, you will produce effective results. As a general rule, I tell people to do abs every other day or do them for two days in a row and then take one day off, and then do two days in a row again and repeat with one day off. Or, change it up and do every other day, or do abs two days in a row, then take 2 days off, and then switch back to every other day, etc. My advice is to just experiment and see what works for you. The one thing I do NOT recommend is doing a crazy amount of abs religiously every single day!! This could give you an abundance of back problems and actually make you abs less defined! This type of abdominal exercising will not work in your favor. Your abdominals are just like other muscles and need to be rested as well.

Here are some examples of great abdominal exercises: