How To Get A Six-Pack

Question: I have gotten to the point in my fitness program where I am happy with the results I am getting in most parts of my body.  But I still have a problem area. I can't seem to get the definition I want in my abs. Any suggestions? I want a well defined 6-pack!  

Answer: Often I hear from people who have a specific 'problem area' they want to work on and many times it is the mid-section or the abdominals.  I am asked if it is possible to strengthen a certain part of the abdominals such as the lower abs, or the obliques (love handles). The truth is that the abdominal muscles usually work in unison and it is hard to isolate specific parts.  However, different positions and angles can help shift the emphasis of the exercise to a specific part of the abdominals. Basically we divide the abdominals as follows: Upper abs, lower abs, obliques and transverse abdominals.  The transverse abdominals are the muscles that pull your belly button in toward your spine. In order to get the most out of your abdominal workout no matter what angle you choose, always start the exercise by consciously engaging the transverse abdominal muscles by simply pulling your belly button slightly towards the spine, then execute the exercise while maintaining that posture. This simple 'trick' will help you get better results no matter what part of the abdominals you are going for!

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