How to Get Six Pack Abs?

We all dream about that flat stomach, tight abdomens, ripped six pack abs. We all look for simple ways to achieve six pack abs and prefer ones that require minimal effort. Unfortunately, it's not that simple and requires hard work and dedication. Although this doesn't sound appealing but it is the ugly truth.

Strong and defined abs is the cornerstone of an ideal physique. They also enhance the Core Body Strength which is also vital for top performance in all your physical activities. There are two things to getting great looking abs. First is to reduce fat on the stomach which is covering your abs and the second is to build the ab muscles by doing ab exercises. Thinking that the ab exercises will burn the fat on your stomach is a myth. The body can't be forced to lose fat in a particular area by exercising the muscles directly under that area. Exercises work muscles, not fat. The only way to lose fat on your stomach is to lose overall body fat. Here are some tips to help you lose body fat and get those dream abs:

• Set your target: Everybody wants 6 pack abs but none have a plan to get it. Set a defined target to get that abs. Motivate yourself by putting a 6 pack abs picture in your room and see it daily. Whatever happens, do not lose your motivation! It going to take some time so don't become impatient.

• Nutrition: Changing your diet is the first step towards losing fat and gaining muscle. You'll need a balanced diet of carbohydrate, protein and fat, and reduce your calorie consumption such that you are burning more calories than you are consuming. Make sure that you are not cutting the calories too drastically as this could have a negative effect on your health. It's easier to consume fewer calories if you fill up on high fiber foods with a focus on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Also, beware of empty calories like sugary drinks, beer etc. You have to eat 4-6 meals throughout the day instead of eating 3 big meals as this will help boost your metabolism and reduce hunger.

• Don't cut fat: Don't cut fat intake as it is necessary for bodily functions. Instead switch to good fats like olive oil, fish, nuts which will help you in lowering your cholesterol and protecting your joints.

• Have proteins: Protein foods are a must if you want six pack abs. Reduce carbs and increase the intake of quality protein with each meal. It is the main building block for your muscles. The good sources of proteins are chicken, fish, eggs, milk etc.

• Drink more water: Water flushes the toxins from your body, keeps you hydrated. It contains zero calories and will help reduce your hunger pangs as well.

• Do cardio: Cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, brisk walking, swimming, etc are the best exercises to burn fat. You can start with 15 minute a day cardiovascular exercise for 3 to 5 days a week and increase it to 45 minutes for the best result.

• Abs workout: You don't have to work your abs everyday. Just keep 2 to 3 days (non-consecutive) a week for working all of your muscle groups including abs. You don't have to do hundreds of reps. Just treat your abs as any other muscle, and focus on doing slow and controlled reps. Some of the exercises targetting abs you can do include crunches, oblique crunches, front leg raises, side leg raises, sit-ups, exercise ball crunches, reverse crunch, side bends and side twists.

• Sleep well: Recovery is also important after workouts. The average healthy adult requires 6-8 hours each night. In the rest period, the body recovers and it will be ready to perform on another day.

It takes different time for different people to lose fat as the body stores and loses fat according to the genes. You can't control when and from where you lose fat. For instance, women often tend to store excess fat in the hips and thighs whereas men tend to store it in the middle and back. So the only thing is to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly and allow your body to respond. Consistency in everything you do is the key to get ripped fast!