Defined Abs

If there was something quick and easy (like a pill) or an 8 minute workout that you could do that would give you a great looking set of abs…. then you’d have great abs in about 8 minutes. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works, and because there are no shortcuts, having well-defined abs is the ultimate barometer of physical fitness.

Believe it or not, the six-pack is really just one muscle (the rectus abdominis, or abs for short), and just like all other muscles, it needs a variety of resistance training in order to grow. If you’ve been working out for a while, then there’s a good chance that you already have a decent set of abs. But this is what makes abs different – training alone may not be enough.

All muscles can be hidden by fat, but none are as easily covered up by fat as the abs.

So, if you’re frustrated because you’re not seeing any results, it’s probably because you’re focusing on the wrong thing (like crunches).

The rectus abdominus is made up of two parts that run parallel down either side of your belly button. The divisions between the muscles are actually bands, or fascia, that wind around each side of the muscle. Think of them as elastic bands wrapped around a balloon. When you inflate the balloon, each individual section will grow. Cover the whole thing in fat, and it won’t matter.

For most people, achieving ripped abs takes a disciplined effort in the gym and a strict diet. I know that’s not what most people want to hear, but it’s also why most people don’t have defined abs.

So, is it worth the effort? Well, let’s just say that no other body part says as much about how seriously you take training and diet. Abs signal both physical and mental strength. They show that you respect your body, that you don’t pollute it, and that you’ve formed healthy habits.

But most importantly, they’re your own personal reminder of where you are in your fitness goals.

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This entry was posted on May 24th, 2012 at 12:01 pm