Been crunching away, day in and day out… and not an ab in sight? That’s because you need to understand the “secret’’ to a ripped core before you can actually achieve it. Here’s how to get a six-pack, according to those in the know…
Hint: It’s not really a mystery…
If you see someone with visible abs, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re outworking you at the gym. In fact, it may not be a reflection of their strength at all. Getting that chiselled look comes down to diet, performance coach Brett Klika and strength and conditioning specialist Michelle Arent agree. “Abs are a novelty because our bodies are programmed to store fat in that spot to protect our organs,” says Klika.
READ MORE: The Best Exercise For Your Body In Your 20s, 30s And 40s
So, what should you do?
So don’t stress if you’re crushing workouts and haven’t noticed much visible change – that usually takes eight to 12 weeks with a targeted programme that combines exercise and eating. [Ed’s Note: Try Women’s Health’s Shedding For The Wedding 12-week programme – it’s not just for brides. It’s been designed for anyone wanting to slim down and build lean muscle in a healthy three-month timeframe.]
READ MORE: “I Used This Weight-Loss Programme And It Totally Changed My Body”
It’s best to track how much more you can lift as you progress (improvement there comes faster and more frequently) and let that shift motivate you. Then focus on diet switches – like upping your lean protein and veggie intake at each meal and cutting down on sugar – to reach your abs-mazing goals.