Abs By Summer

So if you're like most of us you have been longing for a visible set of abs for as long as you can remember. I know for a fact I was after that elusive ripped mid-section for years. With all the information that is out there it seems like an overwhelming task that will never happen. Between the media, all the fitness magazines highlighting models with perfect genetics and the constant onslaught of ab gizmos guaranteed to bring results in minutes a day, its enough to make you want to throw in the towel and run for the nearest fast food joint.

There is a lot of good news and some bad news.

Bad news first: A really nice defined midsection is the result of hard work and commitment to a fairly strict diet plan.

Now for the good news: It is not impossible and probably easier than you might think to bring out your much-anticipated "Six Pack".

This two-step process is guaranteed to bring results; the only variable as to your outcome will be how much you work versus how much you cheat.

First things first............. Your diet will need to be as close to perfect as you can stand. Best results will be had by those who can eliminate sugars and processed foods and replace them with high quality proteins (chicken, fish, turkey and protein powders) and plenty of whole grains and fibrous carbs.

· Get rid of all soda and alcohol in your diet, these are empty calories and actually work against your fitness goals.
· Add more protein to your diet. This one is too easy.
· Try to stick to whole grains (whole wheat breads and pitas for sandwiches).
· Fibrous carbs (with regards to vegetables - the greener the better).
· Water - 8 glasses a day is the minimum. More if you exercise.

Second, Ab exercises: You may not believe this, although this is the least of your worries. Diet is much more important when it come to a lean midsection than what or how many ab crunches you do.

Most of the people I know with really defined abs tell me that they never even do a single crunch or leg lift. I am not sure I believe them when they tell me this although I am sure it is not too far from the truth.

You can get away with doing a couple of exercises three times a week and see very nice results.

I would suggest doing an exercise for your Rectus Abdominis (middle and upper abs), another for your lower abs and at least one stretching movement.

There are tons of exercises I could name, although the ones that work best seem to also be the easiest to perform. The standard Crunch for upper abs will always get the trick done and can be done anywhere, so there is never any excuse not to do them.

· Try to perform three sets to failure.

Leg raises for your lower abs not only hit the abs well, they will also force you to keep your lower back tight, thus killing two birds with one stone.

· Also three sets to failure.

I would suggest to stretch the entire abdominal wall after each workout. This will keep your midsection tight and limber for years to come.

So to wrap things up, getting the abs of your dreams is not nearly as impossible as you might think and can become a reality if you are willing to put in some work on the diet and complete a few exercises per week.

Please remember to keep it simple and always stay positive in reaching your goals.

Make sure to always consult a licensed physician before taking on any new fitness endeavor.

Lets Stay Fit Forever...

Jeff Olah - # 1 Online Fitness Professional from Southern California

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