What Are Six Pack Abs

Having six pack abs or abdominal muscles, is a benefit to your overall health and a great boasting point. Many of us equate those abdominal muscles with being fit and healthy. And even more of us dream about having those muscles. We may spend time in front of the mirror trying to find even a hint that those muscles are emerging.

Unfortunately, six pack abs may be great to look at and may make you look like you’re physically fit, but all it really proves is that you have less body fat than others. And that isn’t anything to sneeze at either!

Six pack abs are the build up of muscles in the abdominal region, which when the subcutaneous fat has been burned away, are visible to the naked eye. They got that name because after subcutaneous fat is gone, you can count six distinct muscle bulges.

The muscle that you are building is the rectus abdominis which runs from the lower ribs down to the pubic bone. Down the center is connective tissue which produces the distinctive outline on the abdominal area when the muscles are built up and strong.

This muscle is an important part of keeping good posture and protecting your abdominal organs. The rectus abdominis is also responsible for flexing the lumbar spine. It also helps with breathing, coughing and sneezing. Strong abdominal muscles will also help create intra-abdominal pressure when you are lifting heavy weight, child birth or constipation.

The importance of abdominal muscles actually ranks less than the muscles in your back, legs and chest as far as function of your body. However, while these muscles are not as important functionally, they are important to the visual stimulation of the opposite sex.

Building those abdominal muscles are not the only way to get six pack abs. You have to also lose the body fat that covers those muscles. Although exercise is important, diet is also important.

Getting that six pack can be difficult if you don’t naturally drop fat from the body. They can be worth the extra trouble if you enjoy a challenge, need a goal to keep you motivated or if you want to look really good in your bathing suit or bikini.

It might not be worth it if you don’t have a lot of dedication or don’t care about the visual appeal of those muscles. Performance athletes may enjoy looking good in their clothing but will find that six pack abs won’t help you perform any better.

Resources:

Lean it Up: How Can I Get a Six Pack?

http://www.leanitup.com/how-can-i-get-a-six-pack-5-reasons-why-your-abs-arent-growing/

The Daily Hiit: How Six Pack Abs Can Ruin Your Life

http://www.dailyhiit.com/hiit-blog/hiit-workout/ab-workouts/six-pack-abs-can-ruin-life/

Greatist: Are Six Pack Abs Worth It

http://greatist.com/fitness/six-pack-abs-eight-weeks

Mens Fitness: The Six Best Exercises for Six-Pack Abs

http://www.mensfitness.com/training/lose-weight/the-six-best-exercises-for-six-pack-abs

Muscle and Fitness: 7 Ab Workouts to Get a Shredded Six Pack

http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/abs-exercises/7-ab-workouts-get-shredded-six-pack

AskMen: The Truth About Six Pack Abs