Take it from me, there is nothing like looking in the mirror at your very own set of washboard abs! So, the question is, how do you get them? The answer is quite simple and can be obtained by following these 3 tips.
First of all, you need to reduce the amount of fat that you have on your body. If you do not, no matter how much exercise that you do, you will never see those ab muscles. The belly fat has to go. Eating 6 small meals, rather than 3 large meals, is a great way to do this. Because you will be eating more frequently throughout the day, your body will be more satisfied, leaving you less likely to binge eat in the afternoon or evening.
The meals should contain a lean source of protein, such as: chicken, eggs, nuts, yogurt, milk. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a must. Try to eat an array of different colored ones throughout the day. That way, your body will be sure to get the vitamins and minerals that it needs. Everyone seems to love those carbohydrates. Be sure to limit them, eating no more than a fist-sized full, as they are loaded with extra calories.
Keep it simple. Have oatmeal, fruit and skim milk for breakfast. Or, try a yogurt, fresh fruit, cottage cheese and skim milk. A mid-morning snack can consist of a cheese string, or medium sized apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter. Lunch can be a turkey sandwich (watch those extra calories in the cheese and mayo!), fruit and skim milk. Mid-afternoon you may want one serving of pretzels, or a yogurt.
Dinner can be lean piece of skinless chicken, fresh vegetables, salad and a small side of brown rice along with skim milk. The last meal of the day would be an evening snack. Fat-free pudding would be great, as would a protein shake. Remember to watch your serving size of each food. It is very easy to put a big heaping spoonful of food on your plate without paying attention to how much is in a serving size. You will be adding extra calories if you don't pay attention. The goal is to lose the extra belly fat so that you can see those washboard abs!
The second thing to help show off those six-pack abs is to lift weights. Lifting weights is a great way to burn fat and gain extra muscle at the same time. You will tone up and shape the muscles you have while your body gets rid of extra fat. Aim to lift weights three days a week, with one day off in between. Your muscles will need a day off to recoup. Alternate which muscles you are working. You could begin with upper body on Monday, lower body on Wednesday and finish with upper body on Friday.
The following week, begin with lower body on Monday, switch to upper body on Wednesday and finish with lower body on Friday. By alternating body parts you will give the muscles that you worked a rest and ensure that your whole body is getting toned up.
The third thing to do is to add cardio to your regimen. I would suggest that you do it three days a week, but not necessarily on the days that you are weightlifting. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day. Walking, running, rollerblading or bike riding are all fun ways to burn calories. Aim for activities that you like to do. Mix it up, choosing different activities to keep it fun and interesting. If it is summer, exercise outdoors. Ask a friend to do it with you. When you know that someone is waiting for you, you will be more inclined to meet them, rather than skip your workout.
Six-pack abs will be yours in no time if you stay disciplined and focused on your goal. Simply follow these three easy steps and beach-lovers will be admiring your lean, toned body and washboard abs in no time!
I'm a internet trainer who specializes in muscle gain and weight loss. I'm here to help individuals build lean muscle and lose fat with fast, effective workouts.
I don't believe in spending endless time on cardio machines in hopes of losing fat. Instead, using proven training techniques that deliver faster results in less time. You can get more fitness and nutrition information by visiting tinyurl.com/l7ed46.
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