One thing which most guys have got in common in the gym is the quest for a ripped midsection. Indeed, at one point most gentlemen have looked for tips on how to get abs which stand out. However, they are led down a path of uncertainty.
Too much confusion exists due to misinformation and outdated practices being taught by trainers who should know better. This leads to many false beliefs, including:
* Doing 2000 crunches per day is effective.
* Being small muscles, you need to hit your midsection every single day.
* Using weights with your abs will make them bulky and unattractive.
These three beliefs alone will restrict you to some of the most tedious, boring workouts you could imagine. Performing crunch-after-crunch is not the most effective method to building a leaner, stronger midsection and the first shred of proof to that fact can be seen in the evidence that those who follow the three myths above generally don't get any results at all.
Simply put, the false beliefs above are outdated and ineffective.
To cause a muscle to grow or develop, you must train it in a way that stimulates the reaction you are aiming for. It won't do it by request. You wouldn't do 5000 reps on a biceps curl, so don't do it for your stomach. You probably have an arm routine which targets triceps, biceps and forearms effectively. You might even split it even further, targeting the long head and short heed of the biceps effectively. But do you do that for abs, or is it just endless crunches?
Try the routine below for starters:
1. 20 x Abdominal Crunches with a Swiss Ball
2. 20 x Leg Raises with a Swiss Ball
3. 20 x Straight-Leg Crunch
Perform the routine in a circuit, pushing out all reps before resting for 2 minutes and doing the circuit again. Four rounds of this three-step circuit is all you need to get on the right track to building a solid six pack.
Why does this work?
Well, the first reason it will improve results is the fact that it is well balanced. It will help you to target your upper, lower and oblique abdominal muscles rather than just focusing on the top portion.
It also ensures you keep the intensity high, which will result in more fat loss. Providing you are following a solid diet, you will notice these effects quite quickly.
The key to continuing the results you enjoy is variety. You will adapt to even the toughest of situations. Think back to the first time you did maths as a kid, and how easy those first sums would be if you attempted them right now. Your body does the same thing in the gym, so you must change it up from time to time. It will not change by request, you must force results from it.
Once you are able to handle more than 5 rounds of this, it's time to change the exercises. Look to incorporate weighted moves alongside body weight exercises for maximum results. Learning how to get abs is not the 'rocket science' some proclaim it to be, it merely takes determination and attention to detail.
Too much confusion exists due to misinformation and outdated practices being taught by trainers who should know better. This leads to many false beliefs, including:
* Doing 2000 crunches per day is effective.
* Being small muscles, you need to hit your midsection every single day.
* Using weights with your abs will make them bulky and unattractive.
These three beliefs alone will restrict you to some of the most tedious, boring workouts you could imagine. Performing crunch-after-crunch is not the most effective method to building a leaner, stronger midsection and the first shred of proof to that fact can be seen in the evidence that those who follow the three myths above generally don't get any results at all.
Simply put, the false beliefs above are outdated and ineffective.
To cause a muscle to grow or develop, you must train it in a way that stimulates the reaction you are aiming for. It won't do it by request. You wouldn't do 5000 reps on a biceps curl, so don't do it for your stomach. You probably have an arm routine which targets triceps, biceps and forearms effectively. You might even split it even further, targeting the long head and short heed of the biceps effectively. But do you do that for abs, or is it just endless crunches?
Try the routine below for starters:
1. 20 x Abdominal Crunches with a Swiss Ball
2. 20 x Leg Raises with a Swiss Ball
3. 20 x Straight-Leg Crunch
Perform the routine in a circuit, pushing out all reps before resting for 2 minutes and doing the circuit again. Four rounds of this three-step circuit is all you need to get on the right track to building a solid six pack.
Why does this work?
Well, the first reason it will improve results is the fact that it is well balanced. It will help you to target your upper, lower and oblique abdominal muscles rather than just focusing on the top portion.
It also ensures you keep the intensity high, which will result in more fat loss. Providing you are following a solid diet, you will notice these effects quite quickly.
The key to continuing the results you enjoy is variety. You will adapt to even the toughest of situations. Think back to the first time you did maths as a kid, and how easy those first sums would be if you attempted them right now. Your body does the same thing in the gym, so you must change it up from time to time. It will not change by request, you must force results from it.
Once you are able to handle more than 5 rounds of this, it's time to change the exercises. Look to incorporate weighted moves alongside body weight exercises for maximum results. Learning how to get abs is not the 'rocket science' some proclaim it to be, it merely takes determination and attention to detail.
About the Author:
You writer: You can learn how to get abs with the complete video guide from Russ Howe PTI. Russ is a TV-featured trainer who answers tough questions such as should you train abs with weight and more on his fitness and nutrition blog each week.