The Ever Elusive Abs... How do you GET Them?!

As a health and fitness coach, I've been asked this question quite a bit in the last year. Hell, I've even asked it myself. I don't profess to be an all-encompassing expert, but I HAVE done my research. And I've definitely tried (and failed) and tried again all KINDS of different "plans" and "strategies" out there. Some more effective than others.

Don't get my wrong, I'm STILL on my quest for abs. But I am making progress...

So here's what I've discovered...

1. Nutrition plays THE MOST IMPORTANT ROLE in getting (and keeping) a defined midsection. If you want abs, you HAVE to eat right. More importantly... if you eat more than you are burning in a day, you're going to store fat in the form of a layer of "fluff" hiding those abs. Why would you sabotage all that hard work if you're just going to hide it?

2. When you train, you HAVE to train at a HIGH INTENSITY to keep your metabolism raging! Not only is this way of cardio training more efficient, but you'll see mega changes in your body so much faster. Stay away from the treadmill, the elliptical, and that exercise bike! I suggest HIIT workouts like Chalene's Turbofire, Shaun T's Insanity Max, Plyometric workouts, etc. Anything that gets you gasping for breath for short bursts of time, and gives you a short period of rest before you blast into action again.

3. Planks are amazing for your core strength! Plank everywhere... practice holding it for longer each time, and practice different plank variations.

4. There is no magic pill! Believe me, I've tried to find some. They might be marketed, but they don't exist. Getting a defined midsection is all about hard work. 70-80% of it is hard work in the kitchen, and 20-30% of it is the hard work you do in your workouts. :)