Core Revelations

Use These Tips And Shortcuts To Unmask A Six-Pack

CARB BINGE ONCE A WEEK

It's familiar advice that achieving a six-pack is 30 per cent training, 70 per cent nutrition. But that doesn't mean Living on brown rice and whey. "After consistent 'clean' eating, your metabolism can slow down," says personal trainer and body anatomy expert Joe Lightfoot. "One carb-heavy meal a week can kickstart your fat loss and refuel your energy." Make Sunday spag bol day.

CARRY YOUR WEIGHT

Start taking things to work. "Anti-lateral flexion movements, such as holding a heavy bag in one hand, work your abs because you are forced to resist a side-bending motion," says Lightfoot. "They also give a big metabolic hit." Alternate your holding arm, tensing your abs as you walk. Up the intensity by taking stairs two at a time. And try not to drop your bag.

GO THE WHOLE YOG

"You need vitamin D to avoid muscle wastage and maintain fat burn," says Lightfoot, who recommends dairy foods as a healthy source. Try a yoghurt that's been supplemented with vitamin D - you'll save on empty kilojoules from fatty, sugary desserts. Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium, which is vital for bone strength.

MAKE THE MOVES

Exercise doesn't have to involve hardcore gym sessions. "The key to maintaining a Lean physique and developing visible abs is to increase non-exercise physical activity," says Lightfoot. "Walk around during TV ad breaks, park further away from destinations, use a shopping basket instead of a trolley, and always opt for the stairs."

LEARN TO PLAY BALL

Train more of your core in half the time. Regular crunches put your abs through just half of their potential range of motion, but performing myotatic crunches lets you extend them fully, activating your hard-to-hit inner core as well. Lie on a Bosu ball, with your knees bent. Crunch up and extend all the way back as you return, curving your spine. Resist the temptation to trampoline.