Myth | Buffing Up

Muscular Abs

Dec 102009

The six pack is not that easy to shape particularly since the abdominal muscles require a lot of training in order to become visible. Besides a very tough ab workout, a full body training routine and a strict diet work hand in hand. There are several factors that influence the ab workout, of which the training level deserves most of the attention. Common mistakes include over-training and under-training. Have a look over the following tips to create a good ab workout strategy.

Regardless of the level of training, you should organize the ab workout by abdominal circuits. The exercises have to be performed at least two or three times a week, allowing for the strengthening of the abdominal muscles while also respecting the necessary rest period. With enough recovery time between the abdominal exercises, the ab workout will give results sooner.

A correct ab workout routine aims at strengthening the lower, the upper and the oblique abdominal muscles, as all define this part of the body in a special way. Organize the ab workout according to sets of exercises with a certain number of repetitions. A harmonious muscle growth will occur if you increase the number of reps with no more than two per week. Sticking to the same number of reps would trigger the appearance of a plateau phase from which there is no more evolution.

Then, the variation of the exercises is also important in an ab workout. The number of possible training routines is not at all small, and one can actually find an individual pattern to suit personal needs. Even so, don’t make the mistake of believing that the ab workout can get you rid of the belly fat. Regardless of which you choose, do not believe that the belly fat can be eliminated by the ab workout alone. This myth of weight loss should be debunked once and for all. Large fat deposits can very well hide hard-rock muscles. Therefore diet and cardio exercises should support any form of abdominal training.

The low-calorie diet, regular cardio exercises and strength training go hand in hand with the ab workout. Remember that the abdominals are just some other muscles in the body, and that the rest need your attention too. After lots of training efforts and constant monitoring, many people reach the conclusion that although they get a flat abdomen, the six packs are impossible to achieve. Be realistic about your physiognomy, your health, body shape and lifestyle and then you’ll know how to define your fitness goals!

Do you find these tips of use? You can learn a lot more by clicking here: HowTo Directory

Ab Workout – A Quick Glance

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Dec 012009

Lots of people long for a nice six pack, but abdominal muscles are not that easy to shape. Besides a very tough ab workout, one also needs to follow a close diet and a training routine meant to burn the fat deposits on the stomach and around the waist. There are several factors that influence the ab workout, of which the training level deserves most of the attention. Common mistakes include over-training and under-training. Here are a few tips to help one develop a good ab workout routine.

Abdominal circuits are a great way to organize the ab workout, but most guides recommend beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of training. The exercises have to be performed at least two or three times a week, allowing for the strengthening of the abdominal muscles while also respecting the necessary rest period. With enough recovery time between the abdominal exercises, the ab workout will give results sooner.

Then, the variation of the exercises is also important in an ab workout. The number of possible training routines is not at all small, and one can actually find an individual pattern to suit personal needs. Even so, don’t make the mistake of believing that the ab workout can get you rid of the belly fat. That is probably the biggest myth of weight loss ever. Large fat deposits can very well hide hard-rock muscles. Therefore diet and cardio exercises should support any form of abdominal training.

Basic 8 Pack Abs Exercises You Can Do at Home

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Nov 132009

The first time I heard about “8 pack abs” I instantly thought it was just a myth. Getting six pack abs is more than I signed up for; an 8 pack is just flat out cuckoo.

But I don’t think so anymore…

I found out later on that 8 pack abs are indeed attainable. With some determination, the right diet, and plenty of exercise, anyone can have a chiseled 8 pack…even YOU.

Today, I’m going to focus on that last point – EXERCISE. It’s something many people avoid because they consider it as work. I must admit, I, too, experienced a distaste for exercise once upon a time. But think about your objective for a second; wouldn’t a totally ripped midsection be so much worth it?

You need to start somewhere, right? These 4 abdominal muscles exercises are the easiest drills you can do to get 8 pack abs:

1. Weighted Sit Ups

2. Bicycles

3. Full Body Crunches

4. Curls

Weighted Sit Ups

For this exercise, you will need a small bag of flour or anything that can supply weight resistance. When my kitchen’s running low on supplies, I simply take a zip-lock bag, fill it with sand, and seal it tight.

Now, lie down on the floor, bend your knees slightly, and plant your feet firmly on the ground. Hold down the weight on your chest with both hands to keep it from falling. Gradually lift your torso while keeping the lower half for you body steady. Remember to keep those abdominal muscles tight. Once you’re at an angle, hold that position for as long as you possibly can, then lower your shoulders back to the floor slowly. If you perform this exercise often, you will definitely get your 8 pack abs.

Bicycle

Out of all the 4, this has to be my favorite. Basically, with this exercise, you just lie down on the floor and begin cycling in air. While you’re doing that, place your hands behind your ears and twist your upper body toward the direction of your bent knee.

Full Body Crunches

This one’s really challenging, but I feel that it’s doing a lot for my abs. I suggest you start doing it, too!

While still lying on the floor, rest your hands over your chest, and bend your knees once again. Raise your torso up as you would in a regular crunch. Raise your legs toward the ceiling as you do your upper body crunch. Picture a slightly deviated horseshoe – THAT’S how your body is supposed to look like while doing this exercise. Stay in that U position for as long as you can then lay flat on the floor again.

Curls

This is very similar to the upper body crunch, but instead of just focusing on the number of reps you do, you will be paying more attention to contracting your ab muscles and maintaining your form. Rest your hands over your stomach. Curl your back slowly as you lean those shoulders in, then uncurl at an equal pace back to the ground.

So, here’s the truth about six pack abs: 8 pack abs CAN be an actuality. Keep an open mind, work hard, and you can achieve ANYTHING!

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