How to Get Six Pack Abs Fast

Six-pack abs have become the gold standard of fitness that separates the “in-shape” guys from the “seriously in-shape” guys. But, honestly, a visible six-pack is not necessarily a sign of fitness, but rather one of low body fat percentage. Skinny guys have ripped abs without putting any effort into diet or exercise. For the rest of us, seeing a six-pack seems like an impossible goal. Until you actually get them.

The more than two dozen muscles between your hips and shoulders are what allow you to bend and rotate your torso. They also stabilize your spine as you mow the lawn, carry groceries, do pushups, spike volley-balls, and otherwise go about the motions of daily life. That's why trying to build a solid center with only crunches, which target your rectus abdominis (the six-pack muscle), is like trying to build powerful legs by focusing only on your quads. The result is all show and no go.

Update your ab routine with the following six moves. "They'll challenge your core from every angle, making you stronger in everything you do," says Durkin. They'll also give you something to bare at the beach. (And for more ways to build a body you'll be proud to show shirtless, strip away the fat that covers your abs with our killer follow-along DVD workout Bodyweight Cardio Burners. No equipment necessary!)

Mogul Jump

How to do it

Get on all fours and lift your knees a few inches off the floor so your weight is on your hands and the balls of your feet. Keeping your arms straight and legs together, hop and rotate your knees and feet to the right. Now hop and rotate your knees and feet to the left. That's 1 rep. Keep hopping back and forth for 20 reps.

Why it works

The inspiration for this exercise might come from skiing, but it's also an effective way to prepare for many summer sports, including tennis, softball, and golf. The reason: "It trains your abs, lower back, and hips to work together to rotate your body from side to side," says Durkin.

Hip-up 

How to do it

Lie on your left side, right arm extended so it's perpendicular to the floor. Prop yourself up on your left forearm and raise your hips so your body is straight from ankles to head. Lower your left hip, and then raise it again until it's in line with your body. That's 1 rep. Continue lowering and raising your hip for 20 reps, and then hold the up position for 10 seconds. Repeat on your right side.

Why it works

The best ab exercises train your core to stabilize your spine, Durkin says. The hip-up does exactly that while also sculpting your obliques and increasing your rotational control and stability.

Three-Point Core Touch

How to do it

Assume a pushup position. Now quickly move your right leg forward so your right heel lands outside your right hand. Pause and return to the pushup position. Now quickly move your right leg forward so your right foot lands outside your left hand, and then return to the pushup position. That's 1 rep. Do 5 to 10, and repeat with your left leg.

Why it works

"This one move will target muscles in your hips, groin, lower back, and often-neglected lower abs," says Durkin. The result is not only more core strength but also greater total-body stability.

Running Man

How to do it

Lie on your back with your legs straight, elbows at your sides, and arms bent 90 degrees. This is the starting position. Lift your shoulders and back off the floor as you pull your left knee toward your chest and drive your right arm forward (as if you're running). Return to the starting position. Repeat with your right knee and left arm. That's 1 rep. Do 20.

Why it works

Sure, this exercise works your rectus abdominis just as crunches do. "But pumping your arms and legs also builds explosiveness and coordination, which is fundamental to athleticism," says Durkin.

Rocky Abs

How to do it

Lie on your back with your legs straight, arms extended behind your head, and hands grasping something that won't move, such as a pair of heavy dumbbells. Raise your legs, butt, and lower back until they're perpendicular to the floor. Your weight should rest on your upper back. Keeping your body as straight as possible, brace your core and take 5 to 10 seconds to lower your body. That's 1 rep. Do 5 to 10.

Why it works

"Your muscles can handle more weight on the eccentric, or lowering, phase of a lift," says Durkin. Slowing the pace of that phase forces your muscles to work harder, accelerating your gains.