The Truth About Ab Workouts

Abdominal workouts seem to be the easiest exercises that you can do if you want to lose weight. For the most part, you don’t need any expensive equipment or a gym membership to start doing crunches or sit-ups. Many fitness gurus have championed their ab workout as the best way to lose weight, but is that really the truth? If you want six-pack abs, then you’re going to have to put in a little more work. Doing a few sit-ups each day is a nice idea, but it is not the “end all be all” of weight loss. In fact, losing weight requires a combination of things ranging from a weight loss meal plan to hearty, calorie-burning exercise.

Everyone Already Has Abs

One of the greatest misconceptions about losing weight and performing certain exercises is that you are searching for these mythical constructs called “abs.” In reality, we all have abdominal muscles no matter what our body type is. Doing crunches won’t magically help you produce abs.

Your abs are already there; they are just hidden behind a layer of fat. If you’re looking for a noticeable six-pack, you’re going to have to get rid of that layer beforehand. Most ab workouts (like crunches or sit-ups) do not burn calories. So, while you might be strengthening your core somewhat, you won’t experience any clear, external difference because that layer of fat will still be there.

Weight Loss Pills Don’t Work

Many people have seen infomercials selling these magic weight loss pills that are supposed to give you “six-pack abs” in no time. The only way to get six-pack abs is to put in the work. That includes maintaining a custom weekly meal plan and performing the calorie-burning exercise. Popping a few pills and doing a few crunches will not give you the best results by any stretch of the imagination.

In reality, the best way to remove the fat and get your abs to show up is to start off slow. Try walking or jogging for about an hour (or however long you can manage) each day. You don’t need any special exercises or pills to get the fat off your belly. Just remember to not perform exercises with the express purpose of getting abs. Your main goal should be to burn fat. You should also supplement your exercise regimen with a healthy weight loss meal plan.

Once you’ve gotten rid of the layer of fat around your abs, you can start doing ab workouts that produce concrete results. Of course, you should still maintain a custom weekly meal plan to help promote fat loss and muscle gain. This diet will generally be high in protein and unsaturated fats that can help you on your way to a more holistic and healthy lifestyle.

But, again, it cannot be stressed enough that ab workouts alone will not produce any of the desired results. As much as you might work and strive, that layer of fat will linger until you start doing calorie-burning exercises and stop eating poor foods.