A flat stomach and good abdominal muscle definition is vital for a perfect physique. Great abs are what separate the Greek god from the simply muscular.

If you want to have an abdomen like that, there are three secrets you need to know. Each of these is like a leg of a stool. If one of them is lacking, the whole thing topples.

1) The first secret is the correct abdominal exercises. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of what these are, and waste a lot of time with useless exercises like sit-ups. You only need a few abdominal exercises as long as these target the correct muscles. Choose exercises that will flatten the region while giving attention to the lower abs, middle abs and upper abs if you want a 6-pack. You also need a couple of exercises to trim the sides of the waist (obliques) to get that narrow-waisted look. Using the correct technique is also vital; 15 repetitions using the proper method will give far better results than 150 repetitions where you cheat or just go through the motions.

Secondly, you need to strip away fat. It doesn't matter how well developed your stomach muscles are - you still won't see them if they are covered in a layer of fat! Now you know why so many people lack impressive abs even though they train them hard and often. You attack the body fat problem through:

a) correct nutrition, b) effective cardio training (which does not have to take a long time by the way), and c) special methods for boosting your metabolism (the rate at which you burn fat).

Without this knowledge, you can certainly have strong stomach muscles, but they'll be invisible.

3) The third and final secret is that you should flatten the stomach from the inside too. Great abdominal muscles and low body fat are essential, but not enough. You see, if your abdomen is being pushed out by gas, constipation, bloating or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you will still look fat.

Fortunately, there are some little-known methods that can help tackle this issue. Diet, supplements and special breathing and massage techniques can all help to stop that gut from pressing outwards and spoiling your appearance.

Anyone can get perfect abs if they know the secrets, and maintaining them is not hard. I got myself from a size-40 waist to size-32, and I only work my abs once a week nowadays. It's impossible to have a perfect body without them.

About the Author

Dr. Nick Hallale, creator of The Apollo Program, a body transformation system for men, combining modern science with the secrets of ancient Greek athletes. To learn how to get a perfect physique, visit our website: http://www.apollo-program.com

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