Tone that Mid Section!

6 pack abs are probably one of the hottest topics in fitness.

And it’s not surprising. It’s something that’s become idealized in our culture, and many of us aspire to having a washboard abdominal section.

If you’ve actually tried to get there, you’ve probably realized that it’s a lot tougher than you thought. Unless you’re endowed with some amazing genetics and a crazy fast metabolism, getting 6 pack abs is going to be a bit of a challenge.

I’ve offered up a number of great abdominal and core workouts over the years, and these are an important piece of the 6 pack battle. My most notable ones are Total Ab Workout in 30 Minutes and this Amplified Ab Workout Routine.

But the first step to getting a 6 pack is realizing that ab workouts simply aren’t enough. You can work out your abs all you want, but if you’re not making any efforts outside of the gym, you’re never going to see the fruits of your labor.

So what’s the secret to getting a 6 pack?

The Truth: How to Get a 6 Pack

Simply put, a strict diet.

It’s not the only thing I’d recommend. You need to be getting in a solid, total body workout every week as well. Squats, deadlifts, and leg presses are all great for developing your midsection. Getting in some cardio or interval training is also key to revving up your metabolism so you can show off your efforts.

But when it comes down to it, a strict diet is probably the biggest factor. When it comes to training your abs, you can really only pack on so much muscle down there, because your abdominal muscles (including your obliques) are a pretty small muscle group in comparison. Diet is key.

Here’s what you need to do: First, realize that if you’re working out regularly, you can increase your daily caloric intake to at least 2500 calories a day. You actually need this to support your fitness efforts. And this needs to include a ton of protein. So make sure you’re including a high quality protein supplement like Optimum 100% Natural Casein or Signature Casein Slow Release Protein which are a little slower to absorb then most proteins and therefore are less likely to be stored as fat.

Aside from protein, all the basic healthy rules apply – but you need to be really strict about these to see results! Cut out the sugar and unhealthy fats (saturated and trans fat) and eat whole foods rich in vitamins and nutrients. Go with whole grains all the way. Seriously, these rules may seem obvious, but they don’t mean much if you can’t stick to them!

Some other sacrifices are necessary. I’ve learned that cutting out alcohol is also important, because the calories are just too high. You also don’t want to eat too much fruit because the sugars will still lead to fat deposits if eaten in high quantities. I never recommend a no-carb diet, but a low-carb diet is another big one. All of these diet tips will help reveal your 6 pack – so do what you can!

Supplements to Support a 6 Pack

There are a number of highly effective supplements on the market to support a healthy, 6 pack diet. Here are my top picks (in addition to a high quality protein):

  • Muscle Pharm Shred Matrix for getting ripped and showing off those washboard abs!
  • Muscle Pharm Assault is a pre-workout complex designed to take your weight lifting to the next level. This supplement will give you the edge you’re looking for at the gym!
  • Scivation Xtend is an intra-workout supplement for improving muscle endurance and recovery.

Have any questions or feedback about how to get a 6 pack? Please leave a comment below…