Abs: something everyone wants, but we can all agree, it’s something tough to achieve. I swear you can do strenuous ab workouts every day for a year, and you still won’t see that six-pack you were promised.
Exercise is an integral part of getting abs, as there’s no way to get that six-pack without hitting the gym, but there a lot of other things you can do to help along the way. Working out is just one part of achieving those abs you’ve always dreamed of, but here are the rest:
Healthy Eating
There’s a saying that abs are made in the kitchen and it’s true. Even if you work out every day and do hours of ab exercises, you’re not going to see any improvement unless you eat clean. Make sure you choose a diet you can stick with in the long run, think of it as less of a “diet” and more of a “lifestyle choice.” Healthy eating can be fun!
Sleep
Yes, you heard it here first: sleeping can help you get abs. Well, not really. But not getting enough sleep is going to prevent you from getting abs. Working out consistently is very strenuous on the body, and you need to give your brain and body time to rest.
When your brain is sleep-deprived, your metabolism slows down, and your body will start to store foods like starches and sugars as fat instead of energy. Getting enough sleep is also essential for energy and boosting your mood.
Stretch
Stretching is important!!! Don’t disregard it! Stretching can lower your risk of injury from working out and helps your body stay nimble. It’s important to stretch before your workout as a form of a warm-up, as well as after your workout with static exercises like cobra and bridge. Plus, stretching can be a great way to relax and cool off after a workout.
Go For A Walk
It’s the easiest trick in the game, skip the elevator and take the stairs. It will seem annoying at the moment, but taking the stairs can prove to be beneficial in the long run. Your core gets engaged with just about every movement we do, from picking up weights to taking the stairs.
Walking, in general, is super beneficial and a great way to get those extra steps and movement in. Instead of driving to your favorite coffee shop that’s down the street, stick some headphones in, and go for a nice walk instead.
