How to Get a Six Pack

For many, six pack abs have become the ultimate symbol of health, dedication and self-discipline. Unlike other parts of the body, working your way towards six pack abs takes a concerted effort in several parts of your life, including the exercises you do, the food you eat, and the lifestyle you lead.

There really isn't a "magical" way to achieve six pack abs; unfortunately, there isn't an energy drink you down once a day that suddenly makes them appear in your sleep, you can't get them implanted by a shady surgeon, and those bizarre ab building vibration machines you strap to your stomach definitely don't work. If you want to begin the process towards a flatter, more muscular stomach, these are the steps you are going to have to follow.

Start with exercise
Watch your diet
Make positive lifestyle changes

Start with exercise

Debate rages on which aspect of getting a six pack is more difficult: gaining muscle or losing fat. Those that feel that building muscle is more difficult point to the endless number of crunches, sit-ups and other stomach-toning exercises that must be done if you want to look like Michelangelo's David. The bad news is that crunches and sit-ups are only part of the process. There are no less than a dozen muscle-toning exercises you should be doing on a daily basis to get your abs into shape, but scientists at one university have found the Holy Grail of ab building exercises.

The Holy Grail of Ab Building Exercises

Known as the bike exercise, you want to lay flat on your back on the floor and then bring your legs up to a 45-degree angle. Put your arms behind your ears and begin doing a bike peddling motion. Make sure you touch your elbow with the opposite knee every time you peddle.

Those that decry the benefits of first losing fat are going to suggest cardio or aerobic exercises to help you trim away the excess blubber. However, one major issue that so many people have a difficult time getting over is the fact that the exercises described above will actually make you gain weight, not lose it. Muscle weighs more than fat, so as your body builds muscle, you will notice that your weight will increase slightly. It is up to the cardio and toning exercises you do to trim the layers of fat you have so that the muscle you are building can be viewed and enjoyed by the populace at large. In this respect, you want to start training like you are going for the heavyweight title. Start running, jumping rope and swimming, along with some weight work for the rest of your body. Do as many of these as you can per day along with the rest of your ab toning exercises and you can expect to see results sooner rather than later.

Watch your diet

Eating healthy foods rather than consuming loads of junk food will go a long way in helping you achieve your dream of sexy, washboard abs. Opt for a balanced diet that includes a healthy mix of protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals. Things like fish, chicken, fruit and vegetables, and healthy grains and legumes are what you'll want to stock your fridge and pantry with. And because you'll be expending so many calories with your new workout routine, you may actually want to start eating more. Just remember to have less per meal and spread out what you eat throughout the day, rather than downing the standard three meals per day. It's okay to graze, as long as you pick healthy stuff. And no skipping on breakfast! It will do you no good to miss a meal, in spite of what your friends may tell you. You'll also want to increase the amount of water you're drinking.. yes, you may spend the first few weeks running to the bathroom every hour, but your body will soon adjust to the water level, and it will thank you for it. Your internal systems will work better, and you'll look and feel better, too.

Make positive lifestyle changes

All the exercising and healthy eating won't do you nearly as much good if you spend your weekends getting hammered and laying around on the couch. Sure, everyone needs to kick back and have some fun once in awhile, but just don't make it a regular thing. Your lifestyle, in general, should be one that is healthy, active, and doesn't include filling your body with pollutants like cigarettes, drugs, or mass quantities of alcohol.

One final tip, try to build the six pack of your dreams with a friend. It will help keep up your motivation along the way and make it more fun too!