Diet for a Six Pack

If I could ban six-packs (or at least the word) from the earth I would do it in a heartbeat. Why? Because they're hard to get for most of us and they're virtually meaningless (except in the often shallow world of beauty and appearance). We're so focused on washboard abs that we forget the importance of a strong torso. Here's what's going on beyond the elusive six-pack.

What You Already Know About Your Abs Ab myths simply will not go away no matter how many times we trainers explain otherwise. These facts bear repeating:

• Crunches will NOT automatically lead to six-pack abs.
• Not everyone will be able to achieve washboard abs. Genetics plays a crucial role.
• The key to six-pack abs is losing body fat, not doing crunches.
• Visible abs do not equal strength. Strong abs are strong abs whether there's fat over them or not.
• Abs are no different from any other muscle in your body.
• You must work every part of your torso for complete fitness–don't forget your back!

Appearance Isn't EverythingI know we all want pretty abs, but let's ponder the actual function of your abs for a moment. Remembering what your abs actually do may help you appreciate them even without the six-pack.

• The muscles of your abs stabilize your torso to maintain good posture.
• Strong abs and back muscles are crucial for preventing lower back injury and pain.
• Everything you do; walk, bend, sit, stand, reach, and lift, involves your abs and back. If your torso isn't strong or is imbalanced, you can seriously hurt yourself.
• The Transverse Abdominis (TVA) is often ignored, but is extremely important for every day functioning. It is unique in that it contracts before motions of the arms and legs occur to give maximum stability to the spine.

Getting The Most Out of Your Ab WorkoutsAs mentioned above, doing hundreds of crunches every day is not the most effective way to strengthen your abs. Your approach to ab workouts should be the same as any other muscle in your body. Specifically:

• Do exercises to target ALL of your ab/lower back muscles: TVA (the Plank), internal and external obliques (oblique twists), rectus abdominis (bicycle), and back extensions work your lower back muscles. Your exercises should include each of these muscle groups
• Do between 10-16 repetitions for each exercise. If that's too easy, pay attention to your form. Are you using momentum? Are you really using your abs or are you incorporating other muscles to help you (like your neck or hip flexors)?
• Work your abs 3-4 times a week with a day of rest in between.
• Do a complete program of cardio, strength training and stretching along with your ab routine.
• Eating a healthy low-calorie diet with your program is essential for losing body fat.

Now that you're educated on what your abs do and how you should exercise them, check out this abdominal workout that includes exercises for the TVA, rectus abdominis, obliques and the lower back.

Next page: Abs & Back Workout