6 Myths About Getting Great Abs

With so many people looking to achieve those rock-hard washboard abs, there has been a great deal of misinformation on the subject swirling around. Here we'll take a closer look at some of the most common ones and aim to set the record straight.

1. Ab muscles are somehow different, and need to be treated different.

The only thing that makes your abs different from every other muscle in your body, is that your abs don't lie directly on your bones. Apart from that, they're made from the same tissue, they require the same nutrients, and respond to exercise just like any other muscle. Other than knowing which exercises are specific to training the abs, treat them just like you would your biceps, quads or pectorals.

2. Doing abdominal workouts can make a bad back worse.

This couldn't be further from the truth. A strong core is essential, both for great abs and a strong back. Many of the most effective abs workouts make the core stronger, and therefore make the back stronger in the process. Also, with the abdominals and the back muscles being opposing muscle sets, strengthening the abs will take the extra strain off of the back muscles.

Just a wise word of caution though: If you do have a bad back, talk with your doctor before starting up any new exercise routine, and make sure you will be safe proceeding with your plans.

3. Exercises with high repetitions are most effective for getting better abs.

Again, the abdominals are just like every other muscle in the body. Muscle size and tone come from doing low repetitions with higher resistance. For example, doing more sit-ups on a level surface will be less effective than doing fewer sit-ups on an incline.

4. To lose fat from a specific area, you need to focus your exercises on that area.

While it may be the case for muscle building, it does no hold true for fat loss. Losing fat is collective, and you don't lose more fat from a specific part of the body by exercising those muscles. Many assume that burning belly fat can result from working strictly on the ab muscles. The truth is that fat loss only comes from regular, full-body workouts and a healthy diet. The good news is that belly fat is usually the first to disappear as a person begins losing pounds.

5. A flat six pack is possible for everyone.

No two people have the same body, and some people's bodies simply have a more rounded stomach than others. Any number of factors, from age, to genetics, to gender can affect a person's form. Rather than trying to achieve a particular shape, it would be better to focus on toning and strengthening the muscles in the body you have.

6. Your abs need to be worked every day to see results.

Just like all weight training and muscle building routines, you need to give your abs the proper amount of rest for them to recover and grow. Your muscles all need the opportunity to repair themselves in between intense workout sessions, your abs are no different. Three times a week should be plenty if you give them a good, solid workout session.

Believing these myths is what keeps many people from getting the results that they want. The more you know about how to properly train and exercise, the faster and easier it will be for you to get great six pack abs.

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