"AB"SESSED

Abs are arguably the most coveted body part in the fitness world. A symbol of elite athleticism, once reserved for the most disciplined bodybuilders and sports stars.

However, if we weren't a culture fighting body image issues before, we are now. The digital era has made image manipulation easy. Photoshop has obliterated any semblance of an attainable tummy off the charts, easily etching abs into every mid-drift it crosses.

Celebrities are hopping on the ab train and looking just as superhuman ripped as the greatest athletes in history. Checkout the cover of any magazine. Everyone seems to have a six-pack these days!

How Do YOU Get Abs?
The abdomen happens to be the most difficult area to visibly define. When you think abs, think absolute. The abdomen is the last area you will see definition on your body. In fact, your abs many NEVER make an appearance. If you're a woman, the chances are even slimmer as we are born with an additional 25% adipose (fatty) tissue...thanks childbearing.

But I Want Them!
Good news! You are already the proud owner of a 6 pack, but chances are, it is concealed under a layer of fatty tissue placed strategically to protect your vital organs. In order to reveal your abs then, you must first have a low enough overall percentage of body fat.

Lets put this into perspective shall we? I'm lucky enough to be a naturally lean lady. My body fat percentage is under 20%, beyond excellent for a woman. My diet is very clean. I'm a vegetarian. I don't drink. I don't eat out. I don't eat refined sugar. I don't eat gluten. I eat fruit minimally. My fitness is achieved naturally through superior nutrition and a healthy fitness program. My abs are only visible during and immediately after I workout, when they are pumped.

Decreasing Your Body Fat %
You cannot isolate fat loss, only strength. Working out your abs alone will not result in a six-pack. Instead, your rectus abdominis will become stronger and support your lower back in all other exercise.

In terms of fat loss, strength training larger muscle groups: legs, back, chest will result in increased muscle mass, a revved metabolism and a lower overall percentage of body fat.

Think of a deflating balloon. As air is released from the balloon, the balloon decreases in size evenly, becoming gradually smaller in its entirety. Your fat cells are like a balloon, decreasing in size evenly as your whole body becomes a tighter unit.

Work your abs out once a week, like every other body part as part of your strength training program and go easy on them weight wise. Bulking them up will only bulk you out, pressing adipose tissue further forward.

Eat a nutrient-rich diet, lots of veggies, lots of water, to support your hard work and avoid all processed foods and drinks.

Bodybuilders Rarely Target Abs
Bodybuilders do not have a ripped abdominal area from doing hundreds of planks and sit-ups. They engage their entire core during every exercise, every moment they are lifting heavy, heavy weights. The result is mega mass and a metabolism to match.

You should not be performing ANY weighted exercise without the engagement of your core. The spine must be protected at all times and form is always functional.

Swinging your body like a drunken sailor as you lift weights that are too heavy is not only unimpressive, it will only result in injury.

Turns out, there is a shortcut to ripped abs, and you don't even have to go to the gym or workout! Your abs are just a click away.

Lots of Love,

Sarah