If you’re a workout fanatic, then you already know how important having sculpted abs are when it comes to rocking that teeny, weeny bikini or those sexy pair of trunks (for the guys) at the beach. A toned body without the six pack abs is like a cake without the icing! So, how do you get there?
Believe it or not, it takes a lot more than a few protein shakes and crunches to get the abs you’ve always dreamed of. As a treat to you, we’ve teamed up with Rochelle Boykin, fitness expert and founder of www.fabfitparty.com, to bring you these tips on how to achieve rock-hard abs this year.
Check out Rochelle's video to see her ab-sculpting moves:
In addition to the moves, here are 6 things you MUST know to get better abs:
1. Start in the kitchen. “So, watch what you eat! Avoid processed foods, fried foods, white rice, white pasta, white bread and sweets. These are only a few food items to avoid, but for amazing abs, it’s best to stick with natural and raw foods and healthy proteins. Avoid unhealthy snacks.”
2. Beware of hidden sugary drinks. “Put down that soda and pick up the water. Don't drink your calories. Many soft drinks and juices have so much added sugar and calories, but they're hidden in a liquid form. Those calories quickly add up and unfortunately, they add on the pounds. If you must have juice, make sure it's...... natural, no added sugar or preservatives and not from concentrate. If you must have juice, squeeze it yourself.”
3. Focus on your core. “Three to four times per week; don't overdo it. Your muscles need time to recover and refuel to get stronger. The key to great abs is decreasing your overall body fat and sculpting the muscles, but the muscles won’t grow if you don't give them a little resting time. On your rest days, focus on stretching.”
4. Sweat it out. “Combine cardio and strength training to get sculpted abs. The cardio is to help burn the fat that is covering your abs and the strength training is to strengthen and tone those ab muscles. When working out, make sure you do three sets of 12-15 reps of each exercise. If the exercise focuses on one side of the body, make sure you work both sides evenly. What this means is if you do a side plank of the left for 30 seconds (three times), then you must do the same on the right side, too.”5. Work your way up. “Try these five strength training exercises for beginners that require no weights:
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- Bicycle Crunches – 3 sets of 15 reps
- Crisscross Holds – 3 sets of 15 reps
- Side Bends – 3 sets of 15 reps
- Windshield Wipers – 3 sets of 10 reps
- Low Plank – Hold for 30 seconds and do 3 sets
After each exercise get up for cardio. Try high knees, jumping jacks, squats, butt kicks and mountain climbers in between the strength training exercises.”
6. Get your ZZZs. “Just like we need to have rest days for muscle growth, your being needs rest, too. Sleep is a very important factor for weight loss. When you don't get enough sleep, you cortisol levels shoot up. Cortisol is a hormone associated with fat retention, so you can't lose fat if you're not getting enough rest.”
