SIX PACK ABS or FLAT ABS?

As a trainer I get a lot of questions about getting in shape.  People ask me what should I eat or what is the best machine for cardio, but the most asked question I get is, “How do I get rid of my fat stomach?” 

There are a lot of myths about the stomach.  Most people think doing crunches or sit ups will take care of that unsightly bulge. Let me tell you that is not true.  I'm not saying you should do crunches, just make sure you are doing them for the right reason. Crunches are good for developing and strengthening the abs and the lower back. 

The two most common phrases when it comes to the stomach are six pack abs and flat abs.  What is the difference?  Which one is right for you?  First of all look at the pictures.  Determine the look you would prefer on your body.  Now lets figure out how to get the look you want. 

Lets start with the six pack.  We all have a six pack.  Yes even you.  The muscles are there you just can't see them because of your body fat.  Once you lower your body fat (or lean down) you will see all six of the muscles in your stomach just like in the picture. 

Your next question is how do I lean down?  There are three major parts to leaning down 1) increase your muscle mass
by lifting weights 2) burn off calories by doing cardio and 3) proper nutrition.  It is not easy but if you do all three of these things you will be showing off your abs before you know it.

Now lets talk about flat abs.  We may all have a six pack but we don't all have flat abs.  You can be lean enough to show your six pack and still not have a flat stomach.  this happens for two reasons 1) genetics, there is nothing we can do about that.  The other reason is you are doing to many ab exercises.  You might want to reduce the amount of crunches you are doing.  So you ask how do I get those flat abs?  My answer is you do the same thing to get flat abs as you would to get a six pack. 

Since we are on the mid section lets talk about the obliques.  What are obliques?  This the muscle that runs up and down your side where some of us have those love handles.  How do we get rid of those love handles?  Take a guess.  You got it, the same thing to get you that six pack and flat abs will also get rid of those love handles.