Every guy dreams of having tight abs, but there’s a lot more to getting a defined six-pack than just crunching away for hours. If you’re thinking about getting your dream abs, you need a comprehensive plan that includes both exercise and nutrition to truly get results. Here are the essential exercises and nutrition needed to build a defined six-pack.
Exercises to Get Leaner and Defined Six-Pack Abs
If you want to get ripped six-pack abs, making changes to your exercise routine is a must. Here are the top six exercises you should include in your core workout to get leaner, defined abs:
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Plank: This is a great exercise to start out with as it helps you build core stability and strength. Start by getting in a push-up position and lower your elbows so you’re resting on your forearms. Hold for 30 to 90 seconds.
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Leg raise: Lie flat on your back and lift your legs up together. Keep your legs extended and try to reach your toes as high as you can without arching your back. Pause for a second and then lower your legs back down. Do 10-15 repetitions for best effect.
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Russian twists: This is a great exercise for working the obliques. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet on the ground. Twist your torso side to side trying to touch the ground on each side. Make sure to not move your feet and repeat this exercise 10 to 20 times.
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Crunch: Lie flat on the floor and cross your arms over your chest. Slowly lift your upper body and crunch forward, bringing your shoulder blades off the ground. Pause for a second and then slowly lower your back to the floor. Do 10-15 repetitions for best effect.
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Side plank: Get into a side plank position on your forearm and ensure that your feet, chest, and hips are all in line. Keep your core tensed and hold for 30 to 45 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
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Bicycle crunches: Start by lying flat on the ground and bring your knees up towards your chest. Keep your hands behind your head (but don’t pull your neck). Cycle your legs outwards while bringing your shoulder blades up off the ground. Do 10-20 reps and make sure to do both legs.
Nutrition For A Six-Pack: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Getting a defined six-pack isn’t just about what exercises you do – even if you don’t exercise, if you eat the right nutritional mix, you can still get defined abs. Here are some tips for what to eat and what to avoid to get a six-pack:
What to Eat
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Protein: Eating enough protein is essential for building muscles and getting a toned core. Aim for 1 g of protein intake per pound of bodyweight daily. Good sources of lean protein include chicken, turkey, beans, and Greek yogurt.
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Fruits and vegetables: Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will give your body the essential vitamins and minerals needed for ab definition. Good choices include broccoli, spinach, asparagus, apples, oranges, and bananas.
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Healthy fats: Healthy fats like monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health. Include foods like avocados, walnuts, olives, and salmon in your diet.
What to Avoid
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Refined carbs: Refined carbs like white bread and pasta can lead to an increase in belly fat, making it harder to see your abs. Try to limit your intake of these carbs and switch to eating whole grain alternatives.
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Processed food: Processed foods are typically high in sodium and calories and low in essential nutrients. Avoid processed food like chips, candy, frozen dinners, etc.
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Sugary drinks: Sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks can easily add a lot of empty calories to your diet. Try to switch them with water or unsweetened tea instead.
Go the Extra Mile for Six-Pack Abs
Now that you have the essential exercises and nutrition in place for defined abs, you can go the extra mile and add in supplementary exercises, nutrition, and lifestyle tips to really get ripped abs. Here are some points to consider:
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Add in extra cardio: Cardio can help you burn off body fat, helping you get a defined six-pack. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense cardio each week.
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Get enough sleep: Sleep allows your muscles to heal and rebuild. Aim for at least 7 hours of good quality sleep each night for best results.
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Stay motivated: Building a six-pack isn’t easy and you’re going to face hurdles along the way. Find a workout buddy or set up some rewards for yourself to help stay motivated.
Getting six-pack abs isn’t easy, but it is certainly possible. Start by incorporating the essential exercises into your core workout and building a healthy nutrition plan. Supplement this with extra cardio, good sleep, and staying motivated and you’ll be well on your way to achieving the dream of getting defined six-pack abs.
