The 6-Pack Myth

Most people who say they want six-pack abs aren’t aware of the sacrifices that are required to obtain them.

Spoiler alert: You don’t get a six-pack from doing endless amounts of situps and crunches.

You get a six-pack from consistently executing a well-designed strength training program, focused on multi-joint movements like squats and deadlifts.

But there’s a lot more to it than that.

If you’re a man who wants a six-pack, you’ll likely need to be less than 10% body fat. If you’re a woman, you’ll need to be less than 20%.

According to this infographic from Precision Nutrition, that likely means:

– Eating slowly and only until satisfied in 95% of your meals

– Each meal should include protein, veggies, minimally processed carbs and healthy fats in the correct proportions

– Doing some form of exercise every day, including 4-5 days a week of 60-75 minutes of intense exercise where you break a sweat

– Sleep at least 8-9 hours per night

– De-stress at least 20 minutes every day

So the next time you think you want a six-pack ask yourself if you want the list of things above.

For most of us, the answer is, “No.” And we can be much happier and healthier than we are today by making fewer and more moderate changes in our lifestyle and habits. Stuff that’s doable and sustainable and helps us feel comfortable and confident in who we are.