Best Workouts for Abs and Fat Loss

Best Workouts for Abs and Fat Loss

Everyone wants to know what is the best workout program for a six-pack or a flat stomach. People can obsess over this and ultimately lead to paralysis by analysis.

The truth of the matter is that there is no magic workout for getting six-pack abs or a flat stomach. However, there are 2 methods that are commonly used. Surprisingly to many, both these workouts involve more weight training than direct ab exercises.

* Supersets with intervals

This is a common method used mostly by beginner - intermediate trainers. The superset's method involves 1 exercise being followed straight away with another exercise. This usually involves opposite muscles (e.g. chest then back) or upper versus lower body (chest then a leg exercise).

The upper/ lower body method is a excellent way of boosting your metabolism, and when done with weights will really help to get the shape you want.

An example of this would be a dumbell bench press and then straight into a Bulgarian split squat or another example would be a lat row followed by step-ups.

Instead of slow steady-state cardio, interval training has been proven over and over again to massively boost your metabolism. There are many different varieties of interval training from 60 second's at a reasonably tough pace to 60 seconds easy, right down to 8 seconds sprinting with 12 seconds rest.

A very popular method is the tabata protocol of 20 seconds at full intensity with 10 seconds rest. However, this is an extremely tough form of training that should only be done once a week by experienced trainers.

* Compound Lifts

Another method is sticking to multi-joint compound exercises. These include exercise such as deadlifts, hang cleans, snatch, rows etc. These are great exercises that work multiple muscle groups with the core also working hard to be able to maintain control throughout the movement.

However, you have to be careful with these exercises as technique is even more important and if not done correctly they can lead to major back injuries. Try to get a trainer or coach to take you through these exercises.

You should be aiming to increase the weight you are lifting as you progress. 2.5lb and 5lb increments are enough. Also try to keep the reps low, with 5 sets of 5 reps being a good guideline.

Either of these workout methods only need to be done 3- 4 days a week. Along with the workout program, the number 1 factor for six-pack abs or a flat stomach is a natural diet. This should involve clean, organic foods as much as possible along with fruit and veg, while also cutting out processed foods.