Here’s Why You Can’t Get a Six Pack

The first thing I want to let you know is that abs come in all shapes and sizes. Some people can get a six-pack. Some can get a tiger tummy (basically a 9- to 12-pack). And others are content with a lean flat stomach. All of these are completely acceptable as milestones in the fitness world. 

But if you find yourself doing crunch after crunch and still not getting results, you are doing something wrong. You have to go deeper than just the movements you think are working. Here are a few tips you can use to make sure you’re on the right path to washboard abs.

Calories!

For you to your see abs, you have to get rid of the fat covering them. Now, most people tend to kill themselves slaving away at cardio classes. The best thing to do is to go into a calorie deficit. The simple way to understand this is to think, "calories in must be less than calories out." That is the equation for weight loss. You’ll lose weight everywhere, but you will really see definition in your muscles including your abs. So, lower your calories, move more, and follow the tips below.

You’re doing the wrong moves (or making it too complicated)!

Keep it simple. You don’t need to do all of these random complicated moves to get abs. Learn the basics and learn them well. You have to recruit the abs and isolate them to work them properly. If you are worried about getting into this crazy position or using heavyweight, you’ll be more focused on that instead of your abs. Take away all of the nonsense and focus on 2 to 3 moves you can do with perfect form. I recommend the crunch on a big ball, the plank, and reverse crunches. Learn how to isolate the abs in these moves. You can up the intensity when you’ve perfected those basic moves.

You’re not training them at all.

The old “stop training you abs” advice is not good advice at all. Your core needs to be strong at all times when working out and during daily activities. Bottom line. Train your core. 

Use these tips, and you’ll be on your way to the best abs of your life. It’s a simple process, but it can be hard. So if you need help, find a good trainer to teach you how to engage your body, and the rest will be history!