Six Pack Abs?

Way too many people think that having six pack abs is their best bet to having a strong and sexy body. I mean everyone on social media has a six pack right? It’s madness because it’s so wrong.

Seriously, the “six pack,” or (anatomically speaking) rectus abdominis is the most superficial layer of muscles in our abdomen, and really does nothing more than aid in flexion of the lower back and compression of the abs when we exhale. Looks can be deceiving. Just like someone can look huge and so you think that equals to strength but yet someone smaller can out lift them. Six packs can make someone appear to be in excellent shape when really they are extremely weak in the core.

It takes way more work to achieve and maintain a six-pack than you think or some god gifted genetics. Contrary to what many “quick-fix” exercise programs on fitness magazines promote, you won’t achieve six-pack abs simply by performing exercises like crunches, sit ups and Russian twists everyday. Sure, exercising your midsection will help to build and strengthen your abdominal muscles, but it won’t burn away fat stored around your stomach. If fact, the exercises I just mentioned might even hurt your back. There are better ways to train your core by resisting movement but we will get into that discussion another time.

Unveiling your “six-pack” requires that you reduce your overall body fat percentage, which for many people means following an intense and very strict diet. A diet that not only reduces your calorie consumption to achieve the “six pack” goal but also a diet that is very restrictive to maintain as well. This will probably translate to never eating any fun food you love like pizza or a beer now and then. It also means bringing your food to any friends or family gatherings. Talk about depression, that shit messes with your head.

Most trainers don't have six pack abs. We also don't expect you to try and achieve this as a benchmark of your fitness goals either. We're more concerned about establishing healthier eating habits, helping you move better, and getting you stronger. Having a six pack doesn't equal happiness.

What most people want from the gym is to be strong and look good. The best way to do that is by first showing up, training daily, and fueling your body properly while staying in the proper amount of calories. Also unless you like running, don’t spend time doing junk cardio. Spending hours on a treadmill and going nowhere is not most people's idea of a good time.

Six pack abs may look like something you would love to have but in the end it's not worth the headache, energy loss, and hope of genetics on your side. At least in my opinion.