- 1). Develop a cardiovascular routine. Cardiovascular workouts take time, but they are an important part of developing a six pack. By running, biking, swimming or doing a cardiovascular exercises for 45 minutes to an hour every day, you increase your body's metabolism. This burns fat, allowing your toned tummy to be seen.
- 2). Perform crunches to help build a six pack and flatten your belly. In order to get the maximum benefit from this exercise, it is important to perform the movement correctly. One of the biggest mistakes people make when doing crunches is focusing on quantity and not quality, according to WebMD. By slowing down each crunch you isolate the muscles, making them work harder. Crunches should be done two to three times weekly.
- 3). Diversify your crunches. WebMD recommends doing several types of crunches in reps of 20. Do reverse crunches first. To do these, lie flat on the floor, with knees at a 90-degree angle. Lift your feet a few inches off the floor with your legs together and hands by your sides.
The second type of crunch is called a bicycle kick. This exercise works your oblique muscles and abdominal muscles. Lie on your back, hips and knees should be bent at 90 degrees. Curl your chest toward your feet with your hands behind your head. At the same time extend the left leg out while bringing the right knee in toward the chest. Your left shoulder should point toward your right knee. Rotate from side to side in slow, controlled movements like you are riding a bicycle.
The next crunch is called a bent elbow plank. Lie down on your belly and lift yourself up onto your toes and forearms. Your elbows should line up with your shoulders. Contract your abdominals while you hold this position for 90 seconds. Rest for 10 seconds and boost yourself up again. - 4). Lift weights to help increase your metabolism and develop your core or abdominal muscles. Your abdominal muscles are central to every movement you make because of their location in your body. By lifting weights you will tone your abs and also the rest of your body. This will also improve your posture, which is an important factor in getting a flat stomach.
- 5). Eat a healthy diet. Nutrition is also important to building six pack abs. What you eat is fueling your every move, so choose natural foods over processed or fast food, which will likely contain saturated fats. Fats found in fish, nuts and seeds are good for you and can actually help you burn more fat. Eat lots of vegetables and meats, and avoid eating large quantities of foods that have excessive amounts of carbohydrates.