LyricalFit

Without a doubt, rips and cuts throughout your core are among the most highly sought physical attributes. You’ve definitely overheard a client speaking with a trainer on how to get that look. You’ve probably even tried to get the look yourself. But scoring a six-pack is a concentrated and complicated goal that requires a lot of discipline. If your diet and training still aren’t doing it, try revamping a few things in the gym.

YOU DON’T TRAIN WITH WEIGHTS Resistance is what stimulates the muscle fibers in the body and promotes muscular growth. You wouldn’t expect to add two inches to your biceps by using the weight of your arms—why would abs training be any different? Training for 50, 60 or even 100 repetitions would be great for endurance and conditioning, but don’t expect to see a washboard appear.

Advice: Incorporate weighted exercises at fewer repetitions. Try out a medicine ball throw while lying on a Swiss ball. Shoot for 12 to 15 repetitions. Complete a total of three to four sets.

YOU TRAIN YOUR ABS TOO MUCH Even though abs recover relatively quickly due to the fact that they’re essentially our “core,” that doesn’t mean they don’t need a break too. Training your abs during every workout will only leave you sore and unable to build substantial mass.

Advice: Train abs one to two days per week across three to four exercises.

YOU’RE STUCK TO THE FLOOR Variations of crunches and sit-ups are most commonly associated with abdominal training, but laying down on the job doesn’t produce results. Exercises that require you to stand, kneel, twist, turn or lift will place more emphasis on stability and balance, in turn stimulating more muscle fibers.