The Secret of the Six Pack

What is truly the appeal of the symmetrical slabs of muscle, embodying our core that permits such attention? It is hailed as the standard of peak physical fitness amongst any circle, including male and female. The abdominals are themselves a symbol of attractiveness within our society, giving them value amongst any other muscle group, thus making it marketable. Yes people, we have successfully made a muscle group its own market.

Countless workout plans, upon myths and yet to this day many still question the secret to the almighty six pack. Fitness instructors and trainers thrive on the innocently unknowing consumer who will pay any halfwit with a decent physique or backwater certification to design a workout program or diet plan to save them from their deep desparity of their lack of abs.

When did the abdominals suddenly not become an actual muscle anymore? The Truth is that it indeed is an actual muscle and should be trained as such. 1-2 times a week, with moderate to high resistance. A gazillion and 3 crunches won't get you any farther then the average gym rat. 1 to 2 different exercises will surely suffice. Any exercise where you can get a decent contraction of the muscle. Some of my personal favorites include, if I may:

Cable Crunch:




Hanging Leg Raises:



The actual visibility of said abdominals will come in result to reduction of body fat. And there you have it! Sorry to disappoint those in search of a super top secret ab formula, but as everything else in fitness, it comes down to science. Work them and they shall develop my friend.

P.S.

Don't you dare forget those compound movements either, i.e. your squats and deadlifts! Critical in core development. :)