Six-Pack Abs: The thinking man’s guide to a flat, lean stomach
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There’s an epidemic in America that’s much more dangerous than H1N1. I’m talking about our weight–about 30% of Americans are considered obese, and the numbers just keep looking worse each year.
Here’s the irony: as our waistlines are expanding, so is our obsession with leanness. We’re getting fatter while the ideal physique in our collective psyche is getting leaner.
No wonder we are so miserable. No wonder we spend billions on products claiming to give us the ever-elusive flat stomach.
I want to quickly explain some factors that create the “washboard” or “six-pack” stomach. Please read this article before you waste your money on belts, abdominal machines, or diet pills:
Factor 1: Low Body Fat
More than anything else, a low body fat level is what will give you that “six-pack” stomach. This is where so many people get it wrong; thinking sit-ups or abdominal training will give them the look. It won’t—visible abdominals are primarily the result of having no fat to cover up the abdominal muscles. A real strategy for this look involves dieting and exercise (of which abdominal training is a relatively small part).
Factor 2: Water Balance
Once one’s body fat is low, water/sodium intake can be manipulated to make the abdominal muscles even more visible. Bodybuilders usually do this before a competition, and models/actors also do the same before a photo shot or filming. Without going into all the details, it is a matter of manipulating the body’s hydration so that minimal fluid is present under the skin.
Factor 3: Genetics
We are all genetically programmed to carry fat in a certain way. Like most men, I have a hard time getting rid of the last little bit of fat around my stomach. Women usually have more trouble losing fat around their hips/thighs. There’s not much we can do about this—we simply have to get lean enough for our body to finally tap into those stubborn fat deposits.
Here’s a related article on my blog you guys may be interested in reading:
The Truth About Abs: Five Facts You Must Understand
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Posted by Kevin Sanders
on Dec 3 2009 Filed under HEALTH, SELF HELP.
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I’m very disappointed in this article. Judging by the title, I was hoping I was going to be able to “think” washboard abs for myself. Oh well.
I think the overwhelming factor here is geneitics. Let’s face it, look around next time you are at the mall. Is there any way some of these people are going to have ripped abs?
No, genetics is a factor, but not even a major one. Everyone can have flat abs, ripped to some extent, although the last bit of oomph do require good genetics..believe me, i have the worst genetics yet still can achieve a somewhat ripped abs…
The point I think is the most important in the article is that the best way to tone your abdomen is to eat a low fat diet. Simply focusing on sit ups/crunches is going to do much by itself other than harden your one’s gut, yet keep it pretty much the same size.