You have spent long hours in the gym and are beginning to see some results in your abdominal muscles.
Congratulations! Time to take the next step and really work on that six-pack.
There are two simple steps you can take to transform your abs from mediocre to show-stopping.
The first is to check out your diet.
If you have been splurging more than you know you ought to, thinking "Hey, I can eat whatever I want ...
I spend at least an hour at the gym each day!" perhaps the time has come to get back in control of your calorie intake.
Be sure that you are eating the right amount of the right kind of calories.
Remember that protein is essential to building and repairing muscle, and muscle is what you really want to focus on at this point.
It is easy to get adequate protein, and easy to overdo the protein too.
If you take in too much protein and not enough fat and carbohydrates, your overall health will suffer.
Since exercise requires stamina, make eating quality carbohydrates a priority.
The carbohydrates that you eat should come from fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
Avoid carbohydrates that come in the form of pure sugar or alcohol.
Finally, be sure to eat enough fat from a good source.
You can never go wrong with extra virgin olive oil and fatty fish like salmon.
Your body requires some fat for important functions including extracting vitamins from some foods.
It is good to be careful about your fat intake, but be sure not to go too low.
Your dietary requirements will vary depending on your height and body type.
Be sure that you are not shortchanging yourself in the dietary department.
What fun is it to look great if you feel miserable? The second step toward a really killer set of abs is exercise.
Find new ways to exercise, change it up, and be sure that you challenge yourself.
There is a certain point at which your muscles will begin to be accustomed to nearly every kind of exercise, so pay attention to what your body is telling you.
At the same time, be very careful not to overdo it.
There is nothing quite so difficult to do than wait for an abdominal injury to heal and watch the muscles that you have taken such care to build slowly evaporate.
Be sure that you are getting enough cardiovascular exercise along with exercises that target all of your abdominal groups.
One excellent way to combine cardio with strengthening is with a workout program like RevAbs, which targets your abs during the whole workout.
People with mediocre abs have been able to trim the fat from their waistlines and entire bodies while revealing the abdominal muscles in their entire splendor.
The process of revealing and building your abs to perfection can take a while so be patient with yourself and be sure to re-evaluate your diet and exercise program along the way.
Remember, fitness is a lifelong process, so enjoy it.