The Fastest Way to Get Hot, Ripped Abs

   Want nice, ripped abs, and want them as fast as humanly possible?  Great abs are a much- sought-after asset for both men and women.  But I'll be honest up front: abs are the hardest area of the entire body to train, because stubborn fat comes off this area last. 

   There are many great ab exercises to help you accomplish this, but keep in mind that working out your abs alone will not get you the washboard abs you're wanting.  Diet and nutrition plays a crucial role in uncovering those elusive abdominal muscles.  

   It's also necessary to boost your metabolism and turn your body into a 24-hour-a-day fat-burning machine.  You do this by eating healthy foods in small portions, 6 times each day.  This keeps your body constantly fueled on good foods and allows you to burn calories at a much higher rate.  Some form of strength-training utilized in your fitness program will also boost your metabolism.  (Such as weight-lifting, yoga, resistance training, high-intenisty cardio like boxing.)

A proper diet and workout routine will help you burn fat at the same time you are practicing specific ab exercises to tone and strengthen your core. 

Here are 3 of the Best Ab Exercises

Knee Ups

Start by sitting on a bench or any flat, stable surface that allows you to be off the floor. Put your hands at the side of the bench. Put your legs straight out and slowly pull them inward toward  your chest. Hold for about two seconds before extending your legs again to complete one rep of this exercise. Each set of this exercise consists of about 24 reps.  Try for 3 sets.  Be sure to use a controlled motion and proper form.

Crunches

This is a common ab exercise that is very beneficial for your core muscles.  Start by lying on the floor with your knees bent and your feet facing downwards on the floor. Put your hands behind your ears and slowly contract your stomach muscles and raise your shoulders and chest off the floor enough that your shoulder blades leave the floor.  Hold for 1 or 2 seconds before lowering  down again to complete one rep. Each set should consist of about 30 reps.  Try for 3 sets.  Be sure not to strain your neck or head by pulling too hard with your hands. You want to lift with your abs not your arms.

Hanging Leg or Knee Raises

This is a very effective and challenging exercise.  Start by holding onto an overhead chin-up bar with both your hands at shoulder width apart. Slowly raise your legs upwards toward your chest while keeping your back straight. Lower your legs down again to finish one rep. Each set should contain 8 - 10 reps.  Try to do 4 sets.  Be sure not to swing your legs or use momentum to cheat.

The above exercises will strengthen and tone your abs within a month, or so.  But remember, if you really want nice, ripped abs, you will need to maintain a healthy diet, as well as perform some form of strength-training at least 3 days a week.  Also, high-intensity cardio such as kick-boxing, sprints, stair running, jump rope, etc., is necessary to torch fat and uncover those abs!

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