The 'Six Pack'

So the summer holidays are almost over, the tanned bodies are being put to rest with the ever approaching autumnal weather on the horizon. If you felt any envy for the bronzed and toned six pack stomachs you saw on the beach then this is the time to start preparing for yours for next year! This article therefore is looking at the classic 'six pack' and just how you too can have one...

The journey towards six pack success initially involves good and bad news. The good news is that there are only three elements that need to be worked on, the bad news is that these three elements require dedication, commitment and a lot of effort.

Let's put to one side some hindering misconceptions first. There are no strange exercises or weird machines that will magically give you the six pack, also I'm afraid there are no magic pills! Furthermore the process is not going to involve hundreds of sit ups every morning and evening. Like with any muscle group if you want to show them off they have to be seen. If there is a layer of fat around them they won't be! Therefore in order for these muscles to be seen you have to lower your body fat sufficiently - for men this is approximately below 8% and for women below 14%. To do this there are three steps:

1.       Nutrition - You need to eat and drink healthily. Therefore avoid high levels of fats, sugars, alcohol etc. Ensure there is enough protein in the diet (meat, fish, nuts..), drink plenty of water and eat lots of vegetables and to a lesser degree fruit.

2.       Get fit - Aerobic exercise is vital, at least a few times per week. This could be anything from walking, running, cycling, swimming to exercise classes etc. All are aimed at burning calories, improving your metabolic rate and strengthening your heart and lungs.

3.       Specific abdominal exercises - There are many stomach exercises available to you. It is important that all exercises are performed in a safe manner. If you are at all unsure do get advice from a health professional first.

So that's it, no magic pills, no machines or crazy exercises, just hard work and common sense. Please do get in touch with me to learn more about any of topic discussed or anything else for that matter.

Oliver Kelly 2010 ©