There are two big trends in fitness: 1) six-pack abs and 2) lists of things you need to get them. So, here I succumb to both. He is my list of the best moves to get shredded:
1) Close the refrigerator door.
2) Push away from the table.
3) Put down the donut.
4) Lift some weights.
5) Get your butt off the couch.
Losing body fat is no secret. Half the battle is eating less and moving more. Another third of the battle is have the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats to meet your energy needs. If you are quite active, you will be served with a greater balance of calories consumed in the form of carbs. If you are sedentary or exercising light, you will likely do better with less of your calorie intake being in the form of carbohydrates and consuming more healthy fats. Any exercise is better than no exercise. Beyond this, there are no great special exercises—no matter what the shredded fitness trainers tell you.
If I trainer is telling you they look like they do as a result only a few minutes of exercise, they are either feeding you a line of bull or they are so genetically gifted that they respond extraordinarily well to any exercise. My money is on the fact that they are spending a lot more time in the gym than they are letting on—and dieting to uncomfortable levels. (Also note that very few physique athletes are able to maintain their show physique year-around. Trust only the ones who are honest about this.)
The good news is that half of maintaining a healthy body composition is caloric balance. This means that eating less and moving more will have tremendous benefit. If you must have six-pack abs, then know that you are going to have to put in some more effort and make some greater sacrifices. Most of us (myself, especially) are not willing to put the work into having a physique worthy of show. Personally, I am happy with working as hard as I can within the constraints of my life and having a reasonable relationship with food. I make the small sacrifices and keep the level of effort at or above my enjoyment of food. Sorry, but the only secret I have to share is that there are no secrets.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow!
Carpe momento!