How To Get A Set Of Abs

Getting a 6 pack of abs isn’t all sit ups, planks and leg raises (although ab-centric workouts are still a big part of the mix). 

It’s important to consider how different types of exercise and the food we eat impacts how quickly we can achieve a chiseled set of abs. Here’s how to get abs faster:

1. Try a HIIT workout

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) will have your body burning calories well after finishing your workout making it a great way to burn fat and accelerate your journey to a 6 pack. 

2. More cardio, more often 

Incorporating cardio into any workout routine is a foundational staple, however when it comes to working your way to a set of abs cardio will have you burning belly fat, fast! 

3. Eat more protein

Complement your output in the gym with high protein snacks and meals to boost your abdominal muscle growth. For a decadent high protein snack, check out our Dark Chocolate Protein Mousse recipe.  

4. Drink more water

When our bodies are dehydrated, our overall performance is reduced. Dehydration means we can’t transport nutrients as efficiently and we struggle to flush lactic acid (i.e. we don’t perform as well on the gym floor and feel super sore afterwards as our bodies repair). So, to get the maximum out of your ab workout, make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

5. Limit refined carbs

When it comes to getting abs it’s important to eat foods that are really high in nutritional value, and unfortunately refined carbs don’t fit the category here. Here are some easy swaps to get started:

• Swap white rice for cauliflower rice.

• Swap mashed potato for butter bean or pea mash.

• Swap chips or fries for sweet potato chips.

• Swap couscous for quinoa.

6. Add more fibre to your diet

A diet rich in fibre will have you feeling great inside and out as it promotes fat-loss around the belly area and a healthy gut microbiome. A few fibre rich foods to add to your diet are:

• Oats

• Carrots

• Flax seeds

• Hazelnuts

• Apples

Feeling a little overwhelmed? That’s okay! Start with something simple like Low Intensity Steady-State cardio (LISS). LISS is essentially slower paced cardio (such as cycling, running or rowing) over a longer period of time, like 40 to 60 minutes. 

Alternatively, work on maintaining your daily steps. Aim for 10,000 steps a day to see health benefits such as weight loss, improved glucose tolerance and reduced blood pressure. 10000steps.org