Women preparedness for six-pack abs training

Women who undergo rigorous training just to get six-pack abs is now becoming a popular trend worldwide because it promotes an effective means of keeping the body fit, sexy, great looking, and healthy. Although many women who are benefiting from this, there are still those who refuse to consider the idea because they think that having a six-pack abs is a guy thing only.

What hinders women from getting six-pack abs

Despite the advantages it brings to make bodies of women sexier, there are so still things that hinder women from getting six-pack abs. If you were one of those who are planning to achieve six-pack abs but still have hesitations, it is a must that you conduct a simple research first on the advantages and disadvantages of training to get six-pack training. 

One of the things that hinder women from getting six-pack abs is that the training makes the woman's muscles bulky and the overall appearance masculine. If truth to be told, women—despite training for six-pack abs—would not have a bulky physique since her body cannot produce enough amount testosterone that is needed to have huge muscles like those in men. Women who are muscular did not get those from training but from having excessive amounts of testosterone in their bodies.

Preparing through diet

For women to achieve six-pack abs, the key formula for success is good and proper nutrition. This is because it provides the basic things such as energy for growth and sustenance can be derived from proper diet.

According to nutritionists, proper nutrition should include proper sets of foods. For people who are planning to develop six-pack abs, this should be a major factor to consider because it will make the training more successful. The following are some eating tips to prepare women get that six-pack rips and muscles in no time:

1. Make sure that you eat at least six times everyday. For beginners in developing six-pack abs, this is the most basic rule because this will ensure that you have the energy to endure weight lifting. Eating meals once every 2 to 3 hours will ensure the stability of blood sugar. This will also ensure satisfaction of cravings, maximization of metabolism and energy, and constant need to feed the building muscles.

2. Enough amounts and significant types of protein should be consumed properly. Indeed, protein plays a big role in developing six-pack abs because it makes up the person's tissues. To know how much protein you need to get that much-coveted six-pack abs, multiply your total bodyweight by 1.2. The result will be the amount of protein—in grams—is the ideal amount that should be consumed everyday.

3. Ensure that you consume the right types and amounts carbohydrates. In women who are training for six-pack abs, carbs are very important to supply the energy your body needs. To figure out how much carbs you need daily, multiply the lean body mass of your body by 0.8 and the result is the total amount of carbs—in grams—is what you need. Remember that since getting six-pack abs has something to do with losing fats, you must only consume the foods with low carbs such as brown rice, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes.

4. Always include veggies into your diet. Women who are looking forward to having six-pack abs should ensure that green leafy veggies like green beans, broccoli, and lettuce have a place on their diet. These types of foods will ensure that cravings can be suppressed without getting hungry. While training, veggies can also aid metabolism which will make the absorption of protein easier and faster.

 Women, weight loss, and six-pack abs

Times have really changed. Before, men are the only ones who would want to have a muscular body. So what they do, they go through rigorous training and exercise just to achieve six-pack abs. But now, women are also into the same thing because many of them believe that having a muscular body can be a gauge of their sexiness.

Studies show that more and more women are into getting six-pack abs because they are so conscious about their appearance. Since having six-pack abs indicate that one is slim, many of them are into losing weight. For those who are thinking of ways on how to get six-pack abs, losing weight can be an effective key but they must familiarize themselves with various means of weight loss before trying one.

Weight loss as an effective key to six-pack abs

Indeed, one of the most effective means of getting six-pack abs is to lose weight. And for most women, the easiest means of losing weight is through a weight loss program, which can either be followed by attending a class or can be used a guide especially on online classes. While it's true that many people can attest to the effectivity of various weight loss programs, please bear in min that not all programs will lead to desirable results. To ensure that if the weight loss program will help you get six-pack abs, make sure you’re your conduct research on the available programs very well.

Nowadays, there are so many programs for losing weight. But, fitness experts categorize these into two—the clinical and the non-clinical. Clinical refers to the services provided in a health-care setting such as clinic or hospital and administered by licensed health care professionals like doctors, nurses, dietitians, and psychologists who suggest scientifically-proven weight loss care and treatment. Here, services such as physical activities, nutrition education, behavior change therapies, and surgeries are included to ensure that the program will help the student achieve a desirable body.

Non-clinical, on the other hand, pertains to commercially-operated weight loss procedures that privately owned such as in weight loss chain. This type usually requires people to join others in a support group, a worksite program, or community-based projects and may require patients to use the various foods or supplements offered by the program. The patients can follow a non-clinical program on their own with the help of a counselor, a guidebook, a website, or even the use of weight-loss products.

The type of weight loss program to get six-pack abs will depend on your schedule and your need. But experts warn that no matter which type of program you choose, make sure that you engage in any activity or diet provided by the program to ensure results. It is also advisable to visit a registered or licensed physician first before using any weight loss product offered by the program like food supplements, herbs, or over-the-counter medications and rigid sets of exercises.

Adhering to weight loss diets can also be an effective means of losing weight and achieving six pack abs. More and more people agre that weight loss diets can promote simple processes of burning calories such as the "Atkins Nutritional Approach" allowing the person to eat satisfying amounts of delicious and nutrient foods while customizing the program to specific individual needs, tastes and preferences; the "Bill Phillips’ Eating For Life," based on four primary ingredients such as food, amount, combos, and times; "the Blood Type Diet" aiming to lose weight by matching the body’s biological profile through blood type, and the "NutriSystem" that manages diet through prepackaged foods that are ideal for people who want to achieve six-pack abs despite their busy schedules.

 Where to develop six-pack abs

Today, fitness centers have become a popular haven for people who are conscious about their figure—especially to those who are looking forward to having six-pack abs. For them, enrolling in specific programs offered by the fitness center can ensure their success in achieving their goals to have a body that is fit and healthy.

Nowadays, most fitness centers are unisex which caters to both men and women. They have different offerings for both sexes because the owners know that these individuals have different needs. Unlike before where most centers are male-centered, today more and more fitness establishments also provide a venue specifically designed for women. This is quite effective for women especially those who feel awkward when men see them doing their stretching and weight lifting exercises during their scheduled workouts. Aside from the space provide for them, many women enjoy working out in these types of fitness centers because these have special facilities, unique programs and even women instructors to guide them.

For women who would want to have six-pack abs, it is advisable to enroll in a fitness center or in a gym to be guided by the instructors accordingly. Here, specific workout plan will be created for them so they can achieve successful health goals.

Choosing the right fitness center

If you are one of those who are planning to enroll in a fitness center or in a gym to develop six-pack abs, it is best that you will feel comfortable in the place. The major considerations should include the safety, cleanliness, and well-maintained environment. Since you will be staying inside the fitness center during while developing that six-pack abs, it is best to look for a fitness center or a gym with:

- Good location. The most ideal and convenient location of the fitness center is near the home or in the workplace. When the fitness center is nearby, you can be encouraged to drop by thinking they will not have to worry about going home or to the office late because the center is just within the area.

- Workout schedules that are adjustable. Once you have decided to do your work outs in a fitness center, choose for those that offer services that can suit your schedule. This is important for it will ensure that you can work out because the place is open for you. For those who have erratic schedule, look for a fitness center that is open for 24-hours so you can drop by whenever you are free.

- Affordable monthly fees or membership fees. Choose a fitness center that is budget-friendly. Before enrolling, make sure that you inquire about the fees and its breakdown so you will know if your money will worth it. Stay away from fitness centers that charge high prices. For beginners, try enrolling in fitness center that offer lower charges for trials.

- Advanced gym facilities and equipment. The set of facilities and equipment that the gym offers will give you an idea about the quality of service that you will be getting. Before signing up, make sure that you visit the condition of the facilities and equipment.

- Professional trainers and friendly staff. Having enough number of trainers will ensure that there will be somebody who will guide you as you train for your six-pack abs. Aside from guiding you in your work outs, professional trainers can also monitor your development and can give you suggestions on how to improve your weak areas. The friendly staff will also be a bonus because knowing that somebody will assist you will somehow motivate you to come back.

 Six Pack Abs:  Do we Believe in the Right Thing?

Washboard, killer, six pack abs.  Good looking guys and women with excellent midsection are admired and make other people’s jaw drop.  If we can just do a hundred sit-ups a day, then it is possible to get the perfect abs that we want.

Myth alert!

It seems like not all the things that we heard from “experts”  or overheard in the public areas are true.  Maybe the reason why we are not getting those perfect abs are because we are not doing it right.  Then that would be such a terrible waste of our time.  So we need to know the myths and what is real to get the chiseled abs we want.

Six pack Myth 1:  Abdominal muscle is different from regular muscle.

Muscle is muscle.  Abdominal muscle is the same with our biceps and lats.  The only difference is the location.  Abdominal muscles are not resting on a bony surface, instead it is against the stomach and intestines.  There is no significant difference whatsoever.

Six pack Myth 2:  Strong abs means a strong back.

The key to a strong back is a balanced abdominal muscles.  You can work your abs, but no more and no less than you work your other muscles throughout the day.   There are heavy emphasis on working your abs, this heavy emphasis is often misunderstood to be the contributor of food health.  Infomercials give the false belief that by working out just one part of your body will give your health great benefits.

Working out and exercise should not just be concerned with one part of the body.  What you need is an overall body fitness to be healthy. 

Six Pack Myth 3:  You have to train your abs at least every other day.

They say that you need to train your abs hard enough twice a week, that is to give them time for recovery.  The key is to choose exercises that fatigue your abs, so that they actually need recovery time.  Include exercises that use the abs functionality.  Since abs are used to stabilize the body, holding a push up position without letting your body sag will really feel and develop your abdominal muscles.

Six Pack Myth 4: To gain results, high repetitions are required.

The key to abdominal gains is the to overload.  If you aim abdominal endurance, the more crunches you do each time, the more you can do later on.  It does not strengthen the abs very much but it also eats up most of your time.

Six Pack Myth 5:  Hard rock abs can be attained by doing a lot of sit-ups.

Many doctors say that sit-ups and crunches are the work exercises and perhaps should never be done.  A common mistake done during crunches, is throwing the neck out.  Crunches and sit-ups cause the abdominal muscles to be pulled to tight, this excessive pulling put stress on the neck or what is known as throwing the neck out. The overuse of crunch type exercises may even lead to the reduction of thoracic extension and contributes to bad posture.

Six Pack Myth 6:  It takes years to get great abs.
 
Everyone has abdominal muscles, you just need to train them in the correct order and reduce the fat surrounding them.  For some, it would take a few weeks.  For other it may be longer.  Different body type develop at different rates.

 Are Six Pack Abs Sign of Good Health?

Yes you have six pack, killer abs.  But are you sure you are healthy?  Of course you can measure a person’s health on their outside appearance, but there are other ways of measuring how healthy you are aside from basing it on the midsection. 

Weight of course, can tell is a person is healthy or not.  But weight is also not the reliable way.  Doctors use body mass index or BMI to measure or judge a person’s size against weight.  BMI is a calculation of kilograms/meter squared.  A BMI between 18 to 25 is healthy.  But someone who is very fit and muscular could have a BMI greater than 25.   This would classify them as overweight.

BMI is a useless indicator for people under 16.  Instead of using the weigh and height ratio, what should be factored is the person’s age and potential for growth.  An example would be if a child was gaining weight to quickly for their age or if they were not gaining enough weight or growing. 

Body shape can also be an indicator of good health.  Doctors are looking at waist measurements because they know that “apple-shape” people carry excess weight around their middle.  These people can be at risk of obesity-related conditions such as heart disease.  Be sure to measure your waistline.  If your waistline is larger than 35 inches, you are at an increased risk of health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  Paying attention to your waistline helps you to avoid unhealthy eating and increase mobility or exercise.

Other health indicators would be the skin.  Tan, freckles or moles that are odd shaped or growing, this probably mean an unhealthy skin.  Tanning or sun exposure can age the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.  Use sunscreen and get a dermatologist opinion about spots and moles.

When brushing your teeth, check your spit.  If there is blood, your gums may need attention.  Bleeding gums indicate poor oral health and vitamin deficiencies.  Gum disease may also be a sign of cardiovascular problems.  Blood on the toothbrush or dental floss is one of the earliest and most common sign of gingivitis.  Gingivitis is preventable and reversible.  Gums need undergo removal of plaque, improved daily oral hygiene practices, a good diet and nutritional supplements. 

It is more than just bad breath.  Gum problems can now be linked to heart disease, clogged arteries, stroke, premature birth, and diabetes.  women who have preterm deliveries have more severe gum conditions than mothers with normal deliveries.  People with gum disease and tooth decay are almost twice as likely to die of heart attacks and almost three times as likely to have a stroke.

Also, feel your lips.  If your lips are dry and chapped, it could signal to you that you are dehydrated, which is an unhealthy state for your body to be in.  Dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue, as well as drain the moisture from your skin making it look old and dry. 

Also watch out for your fingernails.  Healthy fingernails and toe nails are strong, colorless and smooth.  If they are yellowing, brittle, have ridges, crumbling and having white spots, then these are obvious signs that your nails are not healthy.

Nail problems can indicate viral, fungal, bacterial or yeast infection.  It may also show abnormal levels of oxygen in the blood, kidney disease, thyroid disease or psoriasis and malnutrition or a vitamin deficiency.

You do not have to rely on six pack abs, biceps or lats to say something about your health and other people’s health.  There are tell tale signs that you should never ignore. 

 Easy Six Pack Abs:  Tips for Easy Workout

You are always busy.  You don’t have enough time to go to the gym.  You don’t even have time to stand up away from your computer.  But you have a dream.  A model’s body.  A six pack abdominal glory.  Want to get that dream?

There are some easy abdominal exercises that you can do even at home.  Here are some exercises that can easily be done: 

• Crunches

Almost all people know how to do this.  This exercise targets the upper abdomen.  It’s one of the basic but effective exercises. To perform crunches, you need to lie on a flat surface with your hands in your chest or behind you head.  Contract your abs, then hold for 2 seconds, then return to your lying position.  Proper crunches are in a continuous and controlled fashion.  Concentrate on your abdominal muscles to pull your upper body up.  Avoid using the neck or shoulders to push yourself up.  This incorrect practice will cause stress and strains. 

• Side Crunches

They are basically the same as regular  crunches, except that the main focus is on the oblique muscles which are also called love handles.  It also uses the same technique, only that you are crunching to either side of our abs.  This would burn the sides of your abs. 

• Lying Leg Lifts

This exercise targets the lower abs.  with this kind of exercise, you are on the same position as with the crunches,  you lie flat on your back and lift your legs six to twelve inches of the ground.  This would exercise the muscles in the lower part of the abdomen.  When performing leg lifts, place your hand under your buttock.  It adds leverage and helps you get your feet elevated. 

If you want to add more weight into the exercise, attach padded weights into your ankles.  These weights can be purchased at the local sports store.  If you do not want to buy weights, you can simply fill up old tube socks with enough clean, unused cat litter to make one or two pound weight. 

• V- Crunches

It’s almost like lying leg lifts except your chest is at a 45 degree angle starting out.  Sit at the edge of a bench and reach back just enough to support yourself from completely lying on the bench.  Once you’ve stabilized, bring your knees toward your chest.  You would be creating a V motion.  The base of the V would be your abs. 

• Cat stretch

It’s the same with the movements made by a cat when they stretch their back. This simple action is a quick and easy exercise.  Get down on the floor with your hands and knees, with muscles relaxed and looking straight ahead.  Next, tighten your abdominal muscles while thrusting you back upward as far as you can.  Maintain the position for five counts before lowering your back. 

• Bicycle Crunch

To do this, start y lying flat on the floor. Put your hand beside your head then raise knees up to 45 degrees angle and them perform a pedaling motion like what you do when you ride the bicycle. 

• Standing Side Bends

Standing side bends encourages the loss of fats in the oblique muscles.  To start, stand up straight with the stomach sucked in, legs straight and hands on the sides.  Simply lean the body from left to right being careful not to rotate the hips and while keeping  body facing front.  There is a variety of side bends, this is the torso twists.  Instead of bending side to side twist or rotate the upper body from left to right while keeping the legs straight.

You can remove your flabby stomach and replace it with six pack abs, as long as you have disciplined and of course the will to do so.