Few things are more elusive for the average guy than a six-pack. No, we aren’t talking about beer – you can find that at any supermarket. We’re talking about the muscular midsection that many guys spend hours in the gym trying to attain. While you might think that getting a six-pack is complicated, it’s actually pretty straightforward – but not easy. To help you get one step closer to a nice set of flat abs, we’re put together this exhaustive list of common six-pack myths that might be holding you back.
Myth #1: Doing crunches every day will get me a six-pack. While doing crunches every day will certainly strengthen your midsection, you’ll never see the fruits of your labor unless you start losing weight. You can do all the ab exercises in the world, but there’s still a layer of fat between you and your sculpted abs. For a structured men’s diet plan and men’s exercise routine to help you shed fat, check out MenScience Boot Camp. You may also want to consider taking a men’s thermogenic formula to help further stimulate your metabolism.
Myth #2: I’ll get the perfect six-pack just like all those cover models. Chances are you won’t. Your genetics play a big role on how your six-pack ultimately looks. One person with 10% body fat may have more pronounced ab muscles than someone else with the same body fat percentage – that’s just the luck of the draw. Regardless, a lean physique is always an attractive trait so you shouldn’t get discouraged if your midsection isn’t cover-model quality. Check out “10 Tips to Build Muscle” for advice on maximizing muscle volume and growth.
Myth #3: I can spot-reduce the fat around my abs. Abdominal fat is the last to go when you’re trying to lose weight; there’s no way to specifically target the fat in your midsection. The only thing you can do is lose overall weight. While there are many diets you can try to lose pounds, it’s important to choose a meal plan that’s sustainable. There’s no point in losing all that weight for a six-pack, only to gain it all back months later. Play around with different diets – low-carb, high-protein, etc. – and see what works best for you. Using men’s nutrition supplements like a thermogenic formula or a men’s CLA supplement can also help blast fat and reveal your sculpted midsection. In the meantime, read “Fat-Burning Foods for Men” for some nutrition basics.
Myth #4: I need special ab machines and equipment. Seeing your abs is mainly about lower body fat – not gimmicks. Like we said earlier, all the exercises in the world won’t help you if you still have stubborn fat around your midsection. Ab rollers and other ab-specific equipment help strengthen your ab muscles but aren’t as useful when it comes to burning fat. Cardio and weight-training are your best tools in the fight against fat. Don’t forget to take a pre-workout supplement and post-workout supplement to maximize your workout efforts. Check out “Common Men’s Skincare and Nutrition Mistakes” for more common misconceptions about men’s health.
Myth #5: I don’t need to exercise if I just eat right. Diet and exercise are inseparable. If you simply diet, you’ll have a lean body – but no muscle. Working out provides a number of benefits, including improved heart health, increased muscle mass and a higher metabolism. Also, regular abdominal exercise helps strengthen your core, which can improve your performance in all fitness and sports activity. Make sure you’re taking the right men’s sports nutrition supplements to get more out of your workout. Nutritional supplements like whey protein and creatine as well as pre-workout and post-workout supplements can help you reach your goal of a stronger, leaner stomach faster. Read “Exercise’s Effect on Men’s Skin” for some more information on how working out can boost skin health.
