There are a number of key requirements to fulfil in the quest for those elusive ripped abs, obviously a strict diet and a great workout plan are a must because without losing that excess fat from our bellies we will never get to see the six pack underneath. Don’t forget, repetitive exercise doesn’t create abs, they are already there in the first place!
There are so many factors that will dictate our natural physique, age and gender are just two, but it is our genes that determine where you will store body fat. Some people will store fat around their thighs and butts, this tends to be women, and guys have more of a tendency to store their body fat around their stomachs, especially as they approach middle age. It is imperative that you grasp just how your body uses, stores and burns fat.
The body uses fat and carbohydrates as an energy source. The level of intensity in your exercising will determine how much fat or carbs you will burn. The commonly held theory is that the lower the intensity of the exercise the more fat you will burn. In fact you will even see it in black and white on the cardio machines at the gym. The “Fat Burning Zone” means that the lower the intensity and the longer you work, normally at around 50-60% of your maximum heart rate then the more fat you will burn for energy. The higher your intensity then the more likely you are to use up carbs as fuel.
The fact you must always bear in mind however, is that it is totally irrelevant how much fat you burn if you are not burning off enough calories. Fat burning only happens when you burn more energy than you take in and high intensity workouts are simply the most effective way to achieve this. Remember, energy in versus energy out equals fat loss. It’s actually quite a simple equation.
Now don’t think that there is not a place for a low intensity cardio workout, there is. It’s a great idea though to mix up your cardio with a really good high intensity workout. Maybe 15-20 minutes at around 75-85% of your maximum heart rate on any type of cardio machine. Interval training, maybe a full sprint for a minute, will give you all the intensity you will ever need to burn calories as well as fat.
Also try to fit in the odd moderately intense cardio session as well, 75% of your maximum heart rate should do the trick. Lean ripped abs and great muscular definition are yours for the taking, as long as you combine a solid weight training programme with your cardio. Lifting good weights is a great way to burn fat as it significantly speeds up your metabolism and preserves your lean muscle mass. The more muscle you have the more calories you will burn in preserving it in your everyday activities., so even just walking around will help to burn fat.
All it really takes is a commitment to do something every day, even if it to just take a brisk walk, as that will push your body into fat burning mode. It is only at this point that you will get to see those chiselled abs and that great lean body hidden underneath.
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