Quest for a Six Pack...No Not A Six Pack of Beer

busyliving · 16-03-2011 02:22PM #1

Hey all,

I have recently decided to put together a list of things I’d like to achieve before I’m 30. As I’m only 23(well in a week I’m 23 that is) I think I’m giving myself a lot of time to achieve these goals.

* Getting a Six Pack

I have done a few Google searches and found a lot of different stuff and a lot of stuff that contradicts other things, so I would greatly appreciate any guidance in this quest.

Details as follows:
Height 5 11"
Weight 86 kg (Appox)

I know that in order to achieve my goal I will first need to lose a little weight, but I am really here looking for exercises that may help in achieving my 6 pack goal.

I have heard of "the plank", "crunches" and "sit ups" are what I should be doing.

But what order to I do these in?
How many do I do in a set?
Is there any other exercises?
How often do I do these a day/week?

Cheers to all in advance for any help you may be able to offer me.

will56 · 16-03-2011 02:26PM

What sort of shape are you in at the moment OP ?
Gaining a six pack is going to be as much about diet as it is about exercise.
Do you do any weight training or other exercising at the moment ?
How is your diet ?

busyliving · 16-03-2011 02:39PM

will56 wrote: »

What sort of shape are you in at the moment OP ?
Gaining a six pack is going to be as much about diet as it is about exercise.
Do you do any weight training or other exercising at the moment ?
How is your diet ?

Well at the moment I am carrying a bit of extra weight, and it all seems to be on my stomach...like I have a bit of a belly(nothing too bad mind you, but still a bit of a belly)

I am currently out of training as I’ve been moving around the last few weeks, but there is a park nearby were I can go jogging, and there is a gym nearby(but can't afford to join at the moment as I’m without a job

)

My diet is grand, could be a lot better.

Breakfast - Wheatabix or scrambled egg.

Dinner - Chicken Stir Fry/Curries (both with a lot of vegtable) or else something with mince like spaghetti bolnagnese. All served with rice or spaghetti.

Drink low fat milk and water.

Snack on fruit or yoghurts.

But I have fallen back into drinking coke over the past few weeks and eating the occasional chocolate bar :mad:

will56 · 16-03-2011 03:07PM

What do you eat between breakfast and dinner ?
If you can't afford the gym then using the park for carido is a good idea.
I would also start doing bodyweight exercises, push ups, squats, pull ups etc.
The only way to see a six pack is to remove the fat covering the muscle.

Going back to the orignal post and your questions on exercises, Plank crunches and sit ups all have their place in developing stronger "core" muscles, but it would give greater results if you increased your overall muscle mass and didn't just focus on "Abs"

RobAMerc · 16-03-2011 03:10PM

one piece of advice I read here first and have seen echoed many many times elsewhere - "A 6 pack is made in the kitchen"

getting your diet right is number one I would say - body fat below 10% - in fairness a search here will find you and absolute wealth of info.

busyliving · 16-03-2011 03:18PM

will56 wrote: »

What do you eat between breakfast and dinner ?
If you can't afford the gym then using the park for carido is a good idea.
I would also start doing bodyweight exercises, push ups, squats, pull ups etc.
The only way to see a six pack is to remove the fat covering the muscle.

Going back to the orignal post and your questions on exercises, Plank crunches and sit ups all have their place in developing stronger "core" muscles, but it would give greater results if you increased your overall muscle mass and didn't just focus on "Abs"

Cheers could you maybe suggest a good site which I could use to put together a good workout program, a program that would help with gaining gather muscle mass all over my body?

I tend to maybe have a few cups of Tea and/or Chocolate, Fruit...Just depends what is in the presses like

RobAMerc wrote: »

one piece of advice I read here first and have seen echoed many many times elsewhere - "A 6 pack is made in the kitchen"

getting your diet right is number one I would say - body fat below 10% - in fairness a search here will find you and absolute wealth of info.

Hey Rob, sorry for not doing a search, but I couldn't find the search box on the site...site hadn't fully loaded, I’m on the net on one of those mobile USB internet things, and they are awful.

So it’s all about diet?

So will I try and cut my calorie intake, and focus on protein?

will56 · 16-03-2011 03:33PM

I actually don't think your diet has enough calories in it as it is.
Well not enough good calories.
Can you write out what you have on a typical day, yesterday for example.
You don't need a huge reduction in calories to lose body fat. I drop a bit coming up my holidays and it usually take a small tweak of the diet rather than taking a huge chunk out of it.
If you starve your body of calories its going to told onto fat and possibly consume muscle to conserve energy.

RobAMerc · 16-03-2011 04:16PM

busyliving wrote: »

Hey Rob, sorry for not doing a search, but I couldn't find the search box on the site...site hadn't fully loaded, I’m on the net on one of those mobile USB internet things, and they are awful.

I wasn't chastising you for not searching - sorry if it came across like that. I was merely pointing out there is a wealth of info on here. This question is asked so often I imagine a lot of regulars might not even bother to read it I'm afraid.

As pointed out to me before - you already have a six pack, you can probably feel them, it's a matter of getting the layer of fat covering them off.

Again - there is loads of info on here - most of it will tell you building muscle burns fat ( all over your body ).
Create a moderate calorific deficit and work from there. Try www.fitday.com to help with this.

busyliving · 16-03-2011 04:41PM

will56 wrote: »

I actually don't think your diet has enough calories in it as it is.
Well not enough good calories.
Can you write out what you have on a typical day, yesterday for example.
You don't need a huge reduction in calories to lose body fat. I drop a bit coming up my holidays and it usually take a small tweak of the diet rather than taking a huge chunk out of it.
If you starve your body of calories its going to told onto fat and possibly consume muscle to conserve energy.

Ok mate

Breakfast:
Wheatabix x3 with low fat milk

Dinner:
Thai Red Curry, Chicken with Rice, not a take away my house mate cook it for dinner(his day of the week to cook:D)

Also had a few lollipops and drank some coke

But i didn't do much all day in the way of exercise, stayed in all day applying for work, playing xBox(housemate just purchased it today:D) well went for a walk to the shops like 20 minutes max walking.

Its not like i'm straving myself, i don't let myself go hungry like...which in itself could be my problem:p

busyliving · 16-03-2011 04:46PM

RobAMerc wrote: »

I wasn't chastising you for not searching - sorry if it came across like that. I was merely pointing out there is a wealth of info on here. This question is asked so often I imagine a lot of regulars might not even bother to read it I'm afraid.

As pointed out to me before - you already have a six pack, you can probably feel them, it's a matter of getting the layer of fat covering them off.

Again - there is loads of info on here - most of it will tell you building muscle burns fat ( all over your body ).
Create a moderate calorific deficit and work from there. Try www.fitday.com to help with this.

Ah sorry mate, you didn't come across like that at all, i'll do a search and see what i can turn up

Cheers for the advice and the link:D

pauldoo · 16-03-2011 10:07PM

is fitday anygood, i have a smiliar thing on my phone but it isnt great

Transform · 17-03-2011 09:23AM

guys that are in great shape are doing all the things you are NOT currently doing i.e. hitting the weights hard, sorting their diet out (no excuses) and being consistent.

Overall i couldnt give a fig about having a six pack because when you focus your training on -

A) get brutally strong

Hit some metcons/intervals
C) eat for the body you want
D) people that are in great shape are thinking more about getting back into the gym than getting back on the xbox.

All the best but you have a long way to go so just start with the basics like body weight exercises and sort your diet out

Sonics2k · 17-03-2011 01:47PM

For the record OP, there is nothing wrong with eating some chocolate occasionally or a bottle of coke, don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

To get a 6-pack or even get into great shape you do not need to adhere to an incredibly strict guideline on what you can and cannot eat.
Yes you should eat healthy with a good amount of calories and proteins, but this does not mean you have to cut out chocolate etc completely.

You are allowed to treat yourself so to speak.

Dan133269 · 18-03-2011 11:26AM

What do you make of this article people?

http://www.joe.ie/health-fitness/mens-health/johnny-oconnor-forget-sit-ups-get-a-six-pack-the-right-way-0010605-1

What you are trying to do is exercises that are going to resist motion, common exercises like planks and side planks are good, but there are endless exercises that you can do, such as a pallof press or a suit case carry; basically what you’re trying to do is hold your spine in place and add resistance to it. The best thing about these sorts of exercises is that your body naturally does what you want it to do.

I would go as far to say that if you are working with a personal trainer in the gym and he/she suggests doing crunches to work the abdominal area, then you should walk away. It might sound like I’m going against the grain and against accepted wisdom by saying that sit-ups are counterproductive, but it’s just a fact.

G86 · 18-03-2011 12:08PM

Do you want to get stronger and bigger in general? Or do you specifically just want a 6 pack? You could just diet your way to it, but then you'll simply be skinny with a 6 pack. So it really depends on what your goals are and what kind of physique you're after.

busyliving · 18-03-2011 02:02PM

G86 wrote: »

Do you want to get stronger and bigger in general? Or do you specifically just want a 6 pack? You could just diet your way to it, but then you'll simply be skinny with a 6 pack. So it really depends on what your goals are and what kind of physique you're after.

I'd like to get stronger in general, and have a six pack. I was looking around online, and through this forum and I think I’ve come up with an at home starter program to get me on my way.

I'll post it up later and I’d appreciate any feedback ye can offer

busyliving · 18-03-2011 02:14PM

Dan133269 wrote: »

What do you make of this article people?

http://www.joe.ie/health-fitness/mens-health/johnny-oconnor-forget-sit-ups-get-a-six-pack-the-right-way-0010605-1

A mate was told this years ago, by a mate and a doctor:(

But only decided to tell me now, after i asked him for help in my six pack quest the other day...

G86 · 18-03-2011 02:44PM

busyliving wrote: »

I'd like to get stronger in general, and have a six pack. I was looking around online,

Hanleys definitely your man for advice on that one.

Hanley · 18-03-2011 02:54PM

G86 wrote: »

Hanleys definitely your man for advice on that one.

1) Compete in Powerlifting for 5 years, get REALLY f*cking strong and good at it.
2) Eat your way up to 110kg from 86kg and forget about bodyfat
3) Do a few cutting cycles in the interim, total of 6-8 weeks of the year to not get TOO fat
4) Do 2 proper 6 week hardcore cuts to get proper lean very couple of years
5) Quit powerlifting, train BJJ and MMA for 10 weeks, try to do as much conditioning as humanly possible on that
6) SORTED

I’ve never really specifically trained for a six pack except as noted above. And I’ve NEVER done ab exercises with the intention of bringing my abs up. I’ve always trained for performance. Probably something of note to take away there :P

That’s as much ‘real world’ help as I can be. Everyone else knows the theory behind it and can tell ya.

There's quicker ways to get there, but that's been my road!

Sangre · 18-03-2011 09:59PM

Hanley wrote: »

1) Compete in Powerlifting for 5 years, get REALLY f*cking strong and good at it.
2) Eat your way up to 110kg from 86kg and forget about bodyfat
3) Do a few cutting cycles in the interim, total of 6-8 weeks of the year to not get TOO fat
4) Do 2 proper 6 week hardcore cuts to get proper lean very couple of years
5) Quit powerlifting, train BJJ and MMA for 10 weeks, try to do as much conditioning as humanly possible on that
6) SORTED

I’ve never really specifically trained for a six pack except as noted above. And I’ve NEVER done ab exercises with the intention of bringing my abs up. I’ve always trained for performance. Probably something of note to take away there :P

That’s as much ‘real world’ help as I can be. Everyone else knows the theory behind it and can tell ya.

There's quicker ways to get there, but that's been my road!

A six pack in 6 easy steps? Where can I sign up and do you accept credit cards?

busyliving · 19-03-2011 04:20AM

Hanley wrote: »

1) Compete in Powerlifting for 5 years, get REALLY f*cking strong and good at it.
2) Eat your way up to 110kg from 86kg and forget about bodyfat
3) Do a few cutting cycles in the interim, total of 6-8 weeks of the year to not get TOO fat
4) Do 2 proper 6 week hardcore cuts to get proper lean very couple of years
5) Quit powerlifting, train BJJ and MMA for 10 weeks, try to do as much conditioning as humanly possible on that
6) SORTED

I’ve never really specifically trained for a six pack except as noted above. And I’ve NEVER done ab exercises with the intention of bringing my abs up. I’ve always trained for performance. Probably something of note to take away there :P

That’s as much ‘real world’ help as I can be. Everyone else knows the theory behind it and can tell ya.

There's quicker ways to get there, but that's been my road!

Isn't that a very extreme method no?

I am pretty happy with my size now, just need to tone up a few parts and a mass to my arms really.

Bulking up to over 100kg is a bit too much for me.

So you say ther's a quicker way ah?

I'm with Sangre...where can i sign up?:D

G86 · 19-03-2011 08:02PM

busyliving wrote: »

Isn't that a very extreme method no?

I am pretty happy with my size now, just need to tone up a few parts and a mass to my arms really.

Bulking up to over 100kg is a bit too much for me.

So you say ther's a quicker way ah?

I'm with Sangre...where can i sign up?:D

He's taking the piss....

I think basically what he's saying is - get stronger and bigger, forget about the fat until you do, and then diet down to your 6 pack. How you do so is up to you... but spending 5 years competing in powerlifting might not be the easiest way to go about it!:pac:

busyliving · 20-03-2011 01:34AM

G86 wrote: »

He's taking the piss....

I think basically what he's saying is - get stronger and bigger, forget about the fat until you do, and then diet down to your 6 pack. How you do so is up to you... but spending 5 years competing in powerlifting might not be the easiest way to go about it!:pac:

When he mentioned powerlifting i thought he meant powerlift training

Hanley · 20-03-2011 12:38PM

busyliving wrote: »

Isn't that a very extreme method no?

If you're looking for a six pack, yes, it is. But as I said - none of that training was ever done with that intention. I just happened to end up with one after it all...

I am pretty happy with my size now, just need to tone up a few parts and a mass to my arms really.

Bulking up to over 100kg is a bit too much for me.

So you say ther's a quicker way ah?

I'm with Sangre...where can i sign up?:D

'Toning up' = losing fat. So you'll need to diet to get there.

Going up to over 100kg would be pointless - I was carrying a lot of muscle at that weight and my physical frame size is pretty big.

Quicker way is just to get stronger, eat good quality food and do some cardio. Consistency and discipline are the key.

G86 wrote: »

He's taking the piss....

I think basically what he's saying is - get stronger and bigger, forget about the fat until you do, and then diet down to your 6 pack. How you do so is up to you... but spending 5 years competing in powerlifting might not be the easiest way to go about it!:pac:

I wasn't really saying anything... but if I was, that'd be pretty much it.

busyliving wrote: »

When he mentioned powerlifting i thought he meant powerlift training

When I said 'compete in powerlifting for 5 years' that's what I meant. What do you mean by 'powerlift training'?

Hanley · 20-03-2011 12:45PM

Sangre wrote: »

A six pack in 6 easy steps? Where can I sign up and do you accept credit cards?

I'll be a certified PT w/ insurance by the middle of April. I'm going to sell out then. I'll set up a paypal and take everyones credit cardzz.

DB10 · 21-03-2011 12:31PM

This is probably a stupid question, but how long do you think it would take to notice results. I know it's different for everyone, and everyones a different size and does different work outs etc, but I mean in general.

Would it be months or years before you notice it coming along? I'm around 12 stone, probably about a stone overweight, but it's not that noticeable although I have a bit of a beer belly. I'm younger so maybe I have time on my side, but again it doesn't get any easier as in the last few months I've quit football and barely being doing much at all, coupled wit mediocre diet and drinking it's easy to see why I've put on a few pounds.

I've started a small bit of running and weights lately just to get going, suppose it's about starting small and building it up to more overtime and consistency.

Also is jogging/running something that would help a good bit or is it other exercises.

Sangre · 21-03-2011 07:32PM

Hanley wrote: »

I'll be a certified PT w/ insurance by the middle of April. I'm going to sell out then. I'll set up a paypal and take everyones credit cardzz.

Will you be doing that full time?

Hanley · 21-03-2011 10:47PM

Sangre wrote: »

Will you be doing that full time?

Not yet anyway... I've like 1 year left on my accounting training contract to get thru. This is just for some light at the end of the tunnel. I'd like to pick up some clients and find somewhere to operate out of ASAP so I'm not coming at it cold tho

batmanandrobin · 22-03-2011 11:13AM

best advice i ever got for getting into that kinda shape:

food: if it wasnt around 1000 years ago dont eat it
food goes bad so if it has an expiry date of more than 3 days dont eat it
if you cant pronounce the ingredients dont eat it

training: change your weights programme every 6 weeks
use metabolic finishers at the end of your workout
train early in the day to get the most out of it

If you dont pack on some serious muscle and cut some serious body fat with that advice get yourself to the doctor cos you're not well! It is pretty hard core but if you wanna get ripped you gotta put in the effort

Transform · 22-03-2011 01:14PM

Keep it simple to begin with also - get working on basic body weight movements, stretch wayy more, foam roll lots and really nail the nutrition part down as it very hard to notice significant results without it

Quest for a Six Pack...No Not A Six Pack of Beer

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