I think you've all probably heard the phrase "abs are made in the kitchen." Now, based on my experiences over the course of my health journey, I'd have to agree with it. The kitchen is where you have the opportunity to lose, maintain, or gain weight; after all, dear reader, you are what you eat!
"Is Nutrition More Important Than Exercise?" tells us that, yes, "A person can change their body composition through diet alone without exercise. However, it's the combination of both that provides a complete healthy package. Applying the 80 percent nutrition to 20 percent fitness rule is simply a statement of the importance of nutrition in the equation."
You really can't go on a five hour run to make up for the giant, family-sized pepperoni pizza you ate (alone) in one sitting. One-hundred push-ups won't truly have as much of an impact on your body as that jumbo sized candy bar at the grocery store check out will. In reality, you can't eat junk and look like a million bucks. More importantly, you can't eat junk and feel like a million bucks. Remember that the most unhealthy person in the room could very well be the one that looks in the best shape. Everybody is different, and deserves to be respected and appreciated. I cannot emphasize this enough: while I preach nutrition and fitness on The Avocado and Me, my biggest concern is that people are happy and kind to themselves as well as others.
But abs don't hurt. Well, I mean, they can get really sore, but they're nice to have around.
As I've mentioned already, everyone is unique. That means that a single nutritional plan doesn't work for every single person on the planet. I know plenty of people who think I'm absolutely insane for living a low-carb lifestyle; how on Earth do I survive without bread? It's doable for me, but I respect the fact that it isn't doable for everyone. There is a ton of conflicting science and evidence in the great wide world, so I have no trouble in understanding why some of my friends still eat low fat foods. I believe firmly in a good debate, but I will never try to force my beliefs on anyone else. So today, I'm not really going to be talking about the abs in the kitchen part. My diet revolves around a whole lot of fresh vegetables, proteins such as salmon, chicken, and turkey, some red meat, the occasional handful of berries or a bit of high fat dairy, and nuts and seeds. Oh, and dark chocolate. And a whole entire ocean of green tea. But healthy eating may look differently to you. So let's get into some core workout ideas to help you achieve that rock star six pack. Here are some of my all-time favorite workout moves:
- Leg Raises
- High Knees
- Planks
- Sit Ups
- Reverse Crunches
- Russian Twists
- Dead Bugs
- Fire Hydrants
- Donkey Kicks
- Windshield Wipers
- Bicycle Crunches
- Scissor Kicks
- Bridges
- Side Bridges
- Plank Up Downs
- Super Man (or Woman) Extensions
- Heel Touches
- Frog Crunches
- Pull-ups
- Mountain Climbers
- Dumbbell Wood Chop
- Day to Day Activity: squeeze your core whenever you can, whether you are making some scrambled eggs for breakfast, are on a long road trip, or are typing an essay for language arts. Engaging your core will help strengthen those abs.
Remember, however, that target training won't be the only thing to help you get a six pack. You'll need to work out every part of your body in order to reach your goals. Don't skimp out on arm or leg day; just working your midsection may actually hinder your progress. By doing the very same exercises everyday, you will not be challenging your body. Rest days are also
crucial to improving your strength; those muscles of yours work hard, and they deserve a day off! Other factors besides diet and exercise also influence the probability of you getting your abs to show. These include sleep deprivation and your stress levels.
In short, its
really tricky to get your abdominal muscles to show; nonetheless, it is POSSIBLE, everyone, and an excellent goal to set for yourself! Take care of every element of your health, including your diet, fitness regime, sleep, and mental health, and you'll be well on your way to a ripped middle. The best of luck to you!
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