Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Six Pack Ab Models - How Do They Do It?

By Gerard Lanzona

They're the envy of pot-bellied sofa surfers across the country. They even serve as inspiration for those of us with enough drive and conviction to hit the gym and take-up workout programs. They're on the pages of GQ, Men's Health and late night fitness infomercials happily pumping-away on the latest exercise gadget- those super-fit ab models with seemingly impossible six packs.

Getting Achilles-style abs or a tummy like Tyson Beckford's and 50 cent's has long been a fantasy for many- an unreachable dream that a lot of frustrated gym goers have given-up on. Most people pass it off to good genes or a grueling workout regimen. Fact is, anybody can get ripped abs. It just takes a basic knowledge of physiology, a proper exercise regimen and eating smart. Equal parts of these three comprise the recipe for ripped abs.

Anybody with basic knowledge of the human body's metabolic processes and the right exercise techniques can get washboard abs that rivals those of fitness ad models'. Knowing which food and exercises are the most effective in losing belly fat will enable just about anyone to get a shredded gut. In light of this, secrets of six pack ab models will not be so secret anymore.

Total body exercises that keep the heart rate at 60-70% of the maximum are the most effective for burning belly fat- experts have discovered. These burn the most calories from body fat rather than from carbs and glycogen (needed for muscle building).

Building muscle also increases a person's metabolism, meaning more calories burned even while inactive. The more muscles we pack on, the less calories we have to burn through exercise. Having a body like King Diomedes then, will let us expend calories even while off in dreamland fighting epic battles.

Ab models, as you already know, didn't get their physique from gorging on fatty snacks and gulping down soda. Their diet is not as strict and oppressive as one might think however. Simply substituting chips and chocolate bars for omega-3 rich nuts and fat-burning citrus fruits will help a lot in getting you closer to your goal.

It might make sense to skip meals when trying to do away with belly fat. In reality, foregoing meals (especially breakfast) will be detrimental to your goal. Believe it or not, or body slows down metabolism when we go hungry and this means less percentage of calories from body fat expended.

Knowledge of how our body works, a proper workout program and eating smart- this makes up a recipe for six-pack success that anybody with the right amount of determination can use. - 15343

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