Fitness: Can we get six-pack abs just by doing sit-ups?

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Can we get six pack abs just by doing sit-ups?

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Most people associate washboard abs with doing abdominal exercises very disciplined and regularly. But are sit-ups and the like really enough to get six-pack abs?

Belongs one Does a six-pack also fit your fitness goals? The question remains, how can we train our abdominal muscles so much that they look like the proverbial washboard? Many people inevitably think of sit-ups or crunches and believe: If I practice enough of them, I’ll automatically get six-pack abs. But is that really the case?

Finally a six-pack: These factors play a role

First of all, the bad news: the exercises themselves are unfortunately the smallest factor in getting washboard abs. Our genetic requirements as well as age and diet are more important. These factors together account for around 70 percent when it comes to a six-pack.

Anyone who, for genetic reasons, tends to build visible muscles quickly and starts as young as possible has a good chance of getting a washboard stomach. If we also eat a balanced diet, it obviously helps. This means that we should consume as much protein and fiber as possible, carbohydrates in moderation and preferably whole grains, eat lots of vegetables and avoid highly processed foods such as sweets or fast food if possible.

With our training we can only influence around 30 percent whether we get a six-pack. Because it is not possible to specifically reduce fat in a specific part of the body. According to fitness experts, it is therefore more advisable to first activate the large muscle groups with so-called compound exercises, such as squats, lunges (lunges) and push-ups. This allows the body to burn fat and create the conditions for six-pack abs to become visible.

These exercises really build strong abdominal muscles

Losing fat is more important here than building muscle. Additional definition exercises for the abdominal muscles can help once the excess fat has been worked off. But sit-ups are among the least effective exercises for really visible abs. On the contrary, they can even make our stomach appear larger because the muscles are squeezed out. If we did 100 sit-ups a day, we probably wouldn’t get abs.

We can train our core muscles, consisting of the stomach and lower back, better with planks, side planks or leg raises while lying down. But unfortunately these exercises are not a guarantee for a six-pack, even with the most iron discipline.

Sources used: fitforfun.de, coachweb.com, dailymail.co.uk

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