Friday, December 19, 2008

Ripped Abs Formula

By Jose Loni

The formula for ripped abs has always been an elusive goal to many. The picture of ripped abs symbolizes strength, sex appeal, fitness and healthy living. The formula for ripped abs can be accomplished by monitoring our diet, interval/resistance training and the reduction of stress in our lives.

In order to achieve ripped abs, we need to decrease our overall body fat levels, which will make our abdominals more visible. Our abs are there but it's just covered by a layer of fat.

The dietary factors that we need to consider to add to our exercises for ripped abs consist of consuming high quality foods, that are rich in vitamins and minerals. We should eat 5-6 meals per day and each meal should be a well-balanced selection of proteins, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and fats. We should avoid carbohydrates like white sugar and white flour. We should always look for healthy alternatives in our diet and try not to fall for the fad diets. By eating several small meals per day, we maintain our energy levels throughout the day and help optimize our workouts to burn fat.

Resistance training and interval training are exercises that have been very effective in getting ripped abs. Both types of training increases lean body mass, which enables our bodies to utilize the energy need from the fat that is accumulated in the abdomen. The increased metabolism has also been effective in burning fat, well after the training session.

Exercises that involve interval training that have direct effects on getting ripped abs are exercises like: wind sprints, speed rope jumping, swimming sprints, hill sprints and speed rope jumping. Equipment like treadmills, stair climbers and rowing machines can also be used to do interval training.

Resistance training also adds to the ripped abs in that it helps support the abs as well as increases the ripped abs aesthetic appearance. To effectively train with resistance for ripped abs, multi-joint exercises should be utilized to help burn our overall fat. By focusing on repetitions of 8 per exercise, we can really boost our metabolism.

Multi-joint exercises that add to getting ripped abs are squats, lunges, step-ups, rows, deadlifts and chin-ups.

Getting the body's systems to utilize resistance and interval training has been shown to result in increases in the body's fat burning capabilities. Moreover, the body continues to burn fat and calories up to several hours after the workout.

The overall reduction of stress is also another important factor we need to consider when doing exercises for ripped abs. Stress in our bodies increases a hormone called Cortisol, which increases fat storage in the abdomen.

Some examples of stress management activities are: deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, tai chi and various other stress reduction techniques.

When utilizing the exercises for ripped abs and incorporating proper dieting, interval and resistance training and stress reduction, we can definitely achieve the ripped abs that we strive for. When we have our ripped abs, it will affect all other aspects of our lives, how we look at ourselves and how healthy and strong we will feel. - 16650

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