3-STEP GUIDE TO BUILDING A SIX PACK

– To get abs, you need to lower your body fat percentage by eating healthy and doing cardio. – To get a six-pack, you'll need to build your abs with exercises like Russian twists and leg lowers. – Benefits of a strong core include improved posture, fewer injuries, and decreased back pain.

In short:

1. Check your diet

Getting a six-pack requires lowering your body fat percentage. To burn fat, you need to be in a caloric deficit, which means consuming fewer calories than burned. Although you need a caloric deficit, it's important to maintain a healthy diet.

Focus on lean protein, such as pork, lamb, chicken, fish, dairy, nuts, seeds, and legumes. "This will promote satiety and help your body repair and rebuild muscle tissue after your workout," says Angel Planells, RDN, a national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. – Choose whole grains over refined carbs, which contain less fiber, vitamins, and minerals. – Load up on fruits and veggies, which are rich in fiber and nutrients. – Carry healthy snacks with you to avoid the temptation of easily accessible junk food. – Eat snacks that combine multiple food groups. For example, instead of just eating an apple, pair it with peanut butter for increased satiety, Planells says. – Watch portion sizes, to avoid overeating. – Stay hydrated. Drink about three to four liters per day, Ansari says.

2. Do cardio

Cardio can help you achieve a low body fat percentage, which is key for having a visible six-pack, Root says. In fact, a small 2013 study of healthy, sedentary adults in Nigeria found that a 12-week aerobic and abdominal strengthening exercise program reduced abdominal fat.

3. Build your core

Core exercises strengthen and tone the underlying abdominal muscles. Also, core and other strength exercises boost your metabolism, so you burn more calories even while at rest. This can help you achieve a lower body fat percentage. Plus, building a strong core — which includes your obliques and back muscles — helps you maintain balance and stability, which is necessary for daily activities, says Root.

Machine-free exercises to incorporate into your workout routine

1. Heel tap

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle with feet off the ground. 2. Keeping your knees bent, extend one foot to touch the floor then return to the starting position. 3. Repeat on each leg 10 times for a total of 20 reps.

2. Leg lower

-Repeat for 10 reps

3. Side plank dips

1. Place one elbow directly under your body and press yourself up into a side plank position. 2. Lower your hip so that you are hovering just below the ground, then use your core to return to the starting position. 3. Repeat the exercise on the same side for 10 reps, then switch sides.

4. Russian twists

1. Sit up straight with your knees bent and feet in front of you. 2. Lift your feet about a foot off the ground and engage your core. 3. Twist your entire upper body to one side, keeping your legs in front of you. 4. Repeat on the other side. Do 10 reps on each side.

5. Oblique crunch

1. Stand up straight with your feet wide apart and lower into a wide-leg squat. 2. Place your hands behind your head and lower your upper body towards one knee and then the other. 3. Repeat for a total of 20 reps, 10 on each side.

Follow us: