Six pack: what is it for?
Having a flat and marked abdomen is one of the objectives that people who start an exercise routine have, this is mainly because strong abs are attractive to men and women. However, some experts claim that they have benefits other than physical appearance.
The so-called six pack never goes unnoticed. Different studies have revealed that most people are not indifferent to a body with a marked abdomen. Women consider men with this physical characteristic more attractive and vice versa, therefore, it is not a gender issue. While we admire other people, we would also like to have a marked abdomen . Hence, hundreds of diets and exercise routines have emerged to develop abs.
However, we rarely wonder if having defined muscles of the lower, middle and upper abdomen is useful for more than impressing friends or getting romantic dates . At present, it seems that we have concentrated on physical appearance; for some lovers of social networks it has become the so-called six pack challenge, and for others a true obsession, the truth is that the famous chocolate bar is no longer just a matter of models, bodybuilders or movie stars.
Benefits of having a strong abdomen
The good news is that the abdominal muscles do not fulfill a purely aesthetic function, but from an anatomical point of view they can provide great health benefits, in this sense, it is worth reviewing what the advantages of having a defined abdomen are.
- Protect the organs
Many of us wonder how to get the abdominal tablet, but first it is good to know that these muscles have the function of protecting a series of internal organs, which are vital for our body. In this sense, we must especially mention the transversus abdominis muscle , which is a kind of natural girdle located at a deeper level than the six pack. There are ways to work this muscle specifically, but unfortunately most of us insist on exercising only the most visible part. Even so, the most common exercises we do in the gym also work the transversus in an indirect way.
- Reduces back pain
The abdominal muscles provide support to the spine, therefore, a ripped abdomen allows to reduce the load on the middle and lower back, making the core of the body very strong. In this sense, it is important to take into account that many of the injuries that occur when performing apparently simple movements, such as picking up an object from the ground, are actually the product of poorly worked abdominals, which means that all the weight is transferred To the back.
- Improves functional strength
The exercises to get a chocolate bar can at the same time give you greater physical strength to face the challenges of every day, beyond the sport you practice. Let us remember that this muscle group actively participates in countless daily tasks that we carry out at work and at home, therefore, strengthening the abdomen helps us to have a better daily performance.
- correct posture
Getting strong abdominals can help us improve body posture, which prevents discomfort in the waist, neck and back, since it reduces tension in these areas of the body. In addition, this prevents wear on the spine over time and prevents the onset of disc-related diseases, such as hernias. Not to mention that having an upright posture makes us look more confident, which is attractive to other people.
- Allows for better balance
Before asking how to get a six pack, it is important to know that the abdominals support the trunk, but if we forget these muscles, it is possible that those of the lower back develop more, affecting the balance of the body , hence conditions such as scoliosis. In this sense, having an adequate balance in the body allows us to move better when walking and running, which is why it is important both for sports purposes and for everyday life.
- Promotes correct breathing
There are muscles in the abdominal area, such as the intercostals and the diaphragm, that directly influence breathing, in this way, having a six pack improves the air intake to the lungs and therefore the amount of oxygen , which is crucial for the performance of different organic functions. Good breathing favors professionals in any area, but especially those who work with the voice, such as singers, announcers, YouTubers, etc., as well as high-performance athletes. In addition, it is of great help for those who have respiratory diseases such as rhinitis or asthma.
Tips to achieve a good six pack
The first thing we must mention at this point is that when it comes to the development of the abdominals, miraculous formulas are not valid. It is essential to train hard and pay special attention to food. It is true that there are electrostimulators, which can accelerate progress, but these are not substitutes for physical exercises, but rather serve as complements.
On the other hand, you have to be careful when following a six pack diet, since an exaggerated reduction in calorie consumption can cause serious health problems in the short, medium and long term. In addition, we must understand that each body works differently, so nutritional needs vary from person to person. In this sense, it is important to go to a health professional to develop an individualized eating plan .
Finally, we must mention the importance of conscious training and rest, since excesses produce injuries at different levels, which are counterproductive for the achievement of objectives.