The best ab workouts aren't what you think

You probably think that the more crunches and sit-ups you can do the more ripped your abs are going to become right? Well, in a way you're right but there's a step you should be doing before you start trying to get that ripped 6 pack. The best ab workouts need to start with a dose of fat burning first. Did you know that if you're not at or below 10% body fat you won't be able to see your abdominals?

This article covers the basics of what you need to do to develop a defined six pack of abs. Everything I'm referencing or talking about I learned while reading The Truth About Abs, what I consider to be my abdominal guide book. The author Mike Geary is a personal trainer and certified nutritionist. He has taken everything he's learned both personally and from his clients to develop this detailed blue print to getting lean, eating right, and develop 6 pack abs.

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Starting from the outside in

So if you have been doing a lot of abdominal specific workouts wondering why you're not losing that belly fat or showing more definition in your mid section stop. You need to start first burning off that exterior layer of fat. How do you do that? Focus on Multi Joint exercises rather then single joint exercises. What the heck does that mean?

It's been proven that multi joint exercises stimulate a greater metabolic response in your body, that means they burn more calories, and in turn burn more fat. Example of multi joint exercises would be:

• squats
• dead lifts
• step-ups
• bench presses
• pull-ups
• chin-ups
• push ups
• and a whole lot more

note: These exercises and notion is from The Truth About Abs, if you want a detailed blue print for the right exercises to lose fat and get flat abs I suggest you check it out now.

You want to focus on a full body workout rather then isolating certain muscle groups. Think about the average gym workout most people do. They spend 20-30 minutes doing cardio then do some muscle group specific workouts. Not a lot of fat burning going on there (did you know it takes at least 20 minutes of cardiovascular workout to get to the fat burning stage).

If we contrast that to a full body workout that is made up of several upper and lower body multi joint exercises you're working every area and muscle group of your body. The results? A lot more fat burning, which means you're getting leaner.

So what makes the best ab workout?

Depending on your current body fat percentage, and fitness level the best ab workouts for you are likely going to be comprised of a mixture of multi joint exercises for your upper and lower body. A mix of some physical activity such as wind sprints or interval training (either outdoors or on a treadmill) while working in some abdominal specific exercises.

Remember the ab part is the least important in all of this. I know it goes against what might make sense to you but the multi joint exercises are working your abdominals for stability and strength.

To learn more about developing a firm set of 6 pack abs and to blue print your own ab workout get your copy of  The Truth about Six Pack Abs.