Getting a six pack on as little effort as possible

kimny72

OP, I think the issue is in the wording: you said you want to get "exceptional" results. Most guys (and gals) who are famous for their "exceptional" abs go to exceptional lengths to get them.

If your goal is to be "as healthy as possible with the least amount of effort" or "build as much muscle as I can without spending my life in the gym", those you can work with. And an hour in the gym 3 times a week can get you results.

Does someone have the link for the "So you want a nice stomach" thread? That might help OP out...

kwtilbury

No offense to the OP, but if your attitude is "what's the least amount of effort I can put in to see results," you're done before you've even started. Find something you're excited or passionate about to invest your time and energy.

amusedmonkey

I don't think this is an unreasonable train of thought. Maximizing results per effort/time is not a bad thing. Now it may take a lot of time and way more training to look like the "Arrow" but one hour 3 times a week is pretty reasonable to look pretty damn decent if you're consistent.

cwolfman13

I do a full body program 3x per week at about an hour a pop. Your results are really going to be a matter of maximizing that time with solid programming and effort. To have a six pack you're also going to have to be pretty lean...I personally sit around 12% BF and have some visible abs, but I don't have a six pack...maintaining that level of leanness requires more dedication than I'm willing to give at this point...I'm into fitness and all about health and wellness, but I have other things in my life too...and I look way better than most 42 year old guys I know.

My bigger concern for you would be that, while it's possible to get results with a program like I've described, it still takes maximum effort as well as time and consistency over time...like a lot of time...a fitness body is derived from living a fitness centric lifestyle, not a hand full of weeks in the gym.

robininfl

Well, the leaner you are the more your muscles show, so I guess if you get skinny first, it would take less effort to build visible muscle, as the muscle will not be hidden beneath as much fat. So if you are trying to minimize effort, dieting seems like much less effort than exercise.

jessiethe3rd

First you have to visualize what you want and what is within your accepted means.

You will need to understand your body fat percentage.



Be real about where you are. If you have lost 80 pounds and you did it outside the gym you should focus on getting at that. Lifting is going to change your body the most. Focus on 5X5 strong lifts to begin with.

Be honest with yourself as to where you are. Want to see abs... Know how much LBM you have to keep and how much bf% you will really need to lose.