We’ve all experienced ab envy at some time or other. That’s when you see someone who is killing it with the planks and crunches and has the perfect lady six pack on her belly. You too can achieve that look by stealing some of the habits that girls with killer abs seem to have. Wondering what those habits are? You’ve come to the right place. Make these steps a part of your routine and you can have the abs that make the other girls jealous too, courtesy of the experts at Woman’s Day magazine.
Snapshot Survey
Snapshot Survey
1. They do High Intensity Interval Training a Couple of Times Each Week
Strength training is massively important for carving out the abs you want, but to really uncover those muscles you have to burn off the fat that lies on top. By doing plenty of cardio, you burn calories and fat so that you don’t have a ring of flab around your middle. Experts suggest a couple of sessions that include high intensity interval training to really up the benefits.
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has become a staple in the fitness regimens of those with sculpted midsections. This approach involves alternating between bursts of intense activity and fixed periods of less-intense activity or complete rest. Not only does it ramp up metabolism and torch significant calories during the workout, but it also creates an afterburn effect, which continues to sizzle away fat for hours post-exercise. This makes HIIT an incredibly efficient way to achieve that toned look, maximizing efforts in a shorter duration compared to steady-state cardio.
2. They Strength Train Their Entire Body Twice a Week
The great thing about strength training is that it builds lean muscle mass, which boosts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories. Instead of just focusing on ab moves, include those that target your entire body for a lean and proportional look that will showcase your six pack. Do this twice a week, with plenty of ab moves, and you should start seeing good changes in just a couple of weeks.
Strength training isn't just about creating symmetry; it's also crucial for enhancing core stability and power. When the whole body is engaged, exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses not only sculpt the legs, glutes, back, and shoulders but also involve the core intensively. Marry this with isolation exercises like planks and Russian twists to zero in on those abs. Remember, muscles need time to recover, so allow a day of rest between sessions. Consistency and variation are key, as is maintaining proper form to prevent injury and maximize results. Stay hydrated and nourished to fuel those intense workouts.
3. They Get Plenty of Sleep Every Single Night
The occasional late night isn’t going to hurt you, but making it a habit of skimping on sleep can really do you in. When you’re well rested, it’s much easier to power through your ab workouts. At the same time, lack of sleep increases the production of the hormone cortisol, which promotes the buildup of belly fat. Being tired also drives you to make poor food choices. Bottom line? Sleep seven to nine hours every night.
4. They Eat Oats for Breakfast
Oats are a wonderful morning meal because they are loaded with fiber. Fiber bulks up in your digestive tract, keeping you feeling full for hours. That means you can resist the office vending machine or the candy bowl while you wait for lunch to come along. Top your oatmeal with fruit and nuts for an extra punch of fiber and some protein and healthy fats to fuel your morning.
5. They Eat Loads of Vegetables on a Daily Basis
You’ve heard that you should be eating lots of vegetables, but they are a great choice if you’re trying to tone and shape your middle. Veggies are one of the best sources of fiber, so they’ll satisfy your appetite for hours. At the same time, most vegetables are low in fat and calories, so they will fill you up without filling you out. Eat veggies at every meal to reap the full benefit.
Moreover, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale are especially beneficial. Not only do they help with digestion due to their high fiber content, but they also contain compounds that aid in fat loss. By incorporating a vibrant variety of vegetables into your diet, from leafy greens to colorful peppers, you're not just giving your body essential nutrients but also aiding in maintaining a toned physique. Remember, though, moderation is key; balance your vegetable intake with healthy proteins and fats to ensure a well-rounded diet.
6. They Dine on Salmon a Couple of Times Each Week
Salmon is a prime source of healthy fats, which your body needs to function. Cutting back too much puts your body into starvation mode and then you’ll start holding on to the fat, which will hinder your flat abs goals. Salmon is also a good source of protein, and when combined with veggies and whole grains, makes a star meal for a flat belly.
7. They Keep Track of Their Food and Exercise
Women who have successfully lost weight and kept it off will credit that success to their food and exercise journal. By writing down when you finish a workout and what you’ve eaten all day, you stay personally accountable. Also, you can watch for habits that cause you to backslide or slack off.
8. Form is Always More Important than Reps
Fit girls know that it doesn't matter how many sit ups you do, if you're form is wrong, you're not going to see results. Not to mention poor form is a good way to get an injury! Always make sure you're doing a move right, focusing on each movement as you go.
9. Water is Essential
We all know the importance of water when working out or dieting, but for girls with ripped abs, it's beyond that. The more water you take in, the less you're going to bloat in your midsection, allowing you to get those killer abs quicker and healthier.
10. Swap Sit Ups for Planks
Everyone thinks the way to great looking abs is by doing a million sit-ups--NEWS FLASH: They're wrong! Start doing planks instead. They work the entire core in less time, they work your arms as well, and they're just downright difficult to a newbie but beyond effective in time!
Do you have a flat belly goal? Which of these changes will you make today?
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