Here's my list of the most common mistaken beliefs people hold about abs -- and the truth about getting that six-pack you desire.
Mistake 1. Exercise is more important that nutrition.
Fact: Diet is first and foremost the key factor when trying to get six-pack abs. Plan your nutrition in advance to avoid dietary downfalls. Focus on protein, green vegetables, fiber-rich fruits and zero-calorie drinks such as green tea and water. Avoid all sugar.
Mistake 2. You can "spot reduce" the fat on your abs with crunches.
Fact: No matter how many crunches you do, you won't be able to get rid of your ab fat with crunches alone. You need a good diet and an increase in your calorie burning from strength training and interval training.
When I trained athletes, most of them had six-packs, yet they didn't do a single crunch in their programs. Instead, the total body movements of their sports and quick, intense workouts helped them shed the fat and build enough muscle to help them achieve the coveted six-pack.
Mistake 3. You must do ab exercises every day.
Fact: You don't need to do direct ab training every day. Instead, train them twice a week and use unconventional exercises such as Mountain Climbers and Stability Ball Jackknives to reduce the stress on your lower back.
