The reality is that there is no fast and easy way to get a great set of abs. Ripped abs, or six pack abs, are the result of having well trained abs AND a very low percentage of body fat, usually 10% or less. A body fat percentage this low is not easy to attain.

The first step to getting ripped abs, or just stronger, more defined abs, is to make sure that you train your abs the proper way. Unfortunately, many people train their abs incorrectly because there is so much misinformation surrounding ab training. The correct way to train your abs is to train them like any other muscle group. The muscle tissue in your abs is no different than the muscle tissue in your other body parts.

Ab Training Tips

Training Frequency - Train your abs two or three times per week. Your abs need time to recover from a training session just like any other muscle group, so never train your abs on consecutive days.

Sets and Reps - Perform three or four sets each training session, 10 to 20 reps each set. Don't waste time performing endless sets and reps trying to "burn off" fat from your abs. Exercising a specific area of the body will build and strengthen the underlying muscle, but it will have no direct effect on fat loss.

Form and Technique - Use the muscle power of the abs to complete each rep. Concentrate on contracting the abs using a steady and controlled manner. Do not perform your reps at a fast speed using momentum.

Specific Exercises - There are many good ab exercises to choose from, but sit-ups aren't one of them. Sit-ups can be hard on the lower back and don't work the abs as effectively as other types of exercises. If you use added weight when training your abs, use light or moderate weight. Using heavy weight can sometimes build up your abs too much, giving your waist a somewhat thick look.

Regardless of how good your ab training program is, you'll never be able to see your abs if you have too much body fat. Aerobic exercise and healthy eating are necessary to keep your body fat low enough so that your abs are visible. The amount of aerobic exercise you would need to do and the type of eating plan you would need to implement would be based on factors such as how much body fat you had to lose, what body type you are, and what your metabolism is like.

For more health and fitness tips, and a free fat loss report, visit http://www.functional-fitness-facts.com