Six-Pack ABS

by Matt Roberts

Whether you want six-pack abs or shaplier thighs, these pocket guides target problem areas in both men and women to help sculpt, strengthen, and tone muscle as well as boost confidence. Fitness... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0789493489
• ISBN13: 9780789493484
• Release Date: April 2003
• Publisher: DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley)
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.5" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

Works Like A Charm

I feel I owe a lot to this book because it was the first and dare I say the last book to ever work for me. After using it for a few months, I noticed a difference in my mid section. After over a year, I am still using it (I know I need to change my workout), but it is the only thing that works and if it ain't broke don't fix it. Some of the exercises are a little challenging, but if it were easy to get a 6-pack everyone would have one and they wouldn't be nearly as coveted. So wake up!! It isn't supposed to be easy! If you follow the routines (I only do 2 a week due to lack of time-but still got great results) you should see results. I would say I am a hard gainer, and without supplementation I grew a six-pack in under 6 months (not just one you can feel when you press on your stomached, but you guessed it, one you can actually see). I love this book and I wish this guy would write another one just like it but with new workouts for someone who has maxed out results from his first book.

'Tis the season to be topless...

Each spring, as the weather begins to heat up (and I realise that my 20-something metabolism is now another year behind me), I feel the heat of the sun on my layers of clothing, but also wonder about the layers of `me' under those clothes that prevent me from being, well, more revealing. I really don't relish the idea of people ringing animal control wondering why there is a beached whale. So, each year I fight the battle of the bulge anew; last year was a banner year until I broke my foot and thus couldn't run any longer. This year, the ankle and foot are still tender, so I am forced to employ a new strategy. Enter this book. Matt Roberts is one of the better known personal trainers in the UK, with many Hollywood connections (he counts Sandra Bullock among his clients). I have no illusions about turning into a Hollywood hunk, but the routines he presents in this book are both do-able as well as effective - after a month, I already can see a noticeable difference. This small book is primarily pictures, which is a DK publishing signature. In it, Roberts presents three different routines, one each to be done each week in an every-other-day pattern. Both incorporate a level 1 and a level 2 number of reps, with a few alternate possibilities to adjust for ease or difficulty. There a few things that would be helpful (warming up on a rowing machine or a cross-trainer is recommended; an exercise inflatable ball is also recommended), but most can be done simply with the body and a matt or carpet. Each routine is designed to be done in about 15-20 minutes, and is mostly tailored for beginners and intermediate level persons. I have incorporated this into a wider regime of treadmill running (hoping that my fractures from last year will not be exacerbated on a more shock-absorbent surface than the road) and light weight work. The exercises work the midsection all around, front, back, and obliques, upper and lower abs, and incorporate stress and stretch movements. While the routines in this book could be followed by a man or a woman, the book seems much more clearly geared toward men, as all of the pictures show the exercises being demonstrated by men; also, some of the starting levels seem more geared toward people who are used to working out, so lower levels might be called for. All of the exercises in the book were familiar to me, but one thing that Roberts states (there are question and answer sections between each exercise routine chapter) reminds me of my dilemma - one person asked why, if he did 100 sit-ups every morning, did he still not have a six-pack. I do a similar amount each day, and am also gently rounded. The truth is, as Roberts states, the sit-ups only work the abs in one way, and that won't achieve the desired results. Roberts presents a tested combination that works the midsection is a host of different ways that complement each other. I am seeing more results with fewer sit-ups. Roberts also extols the virtues of cardio exercises

No Nonsense Book!

Hesitated getting this book at first as I've already seen countless books on the ABS issue. Decided in the end to get because of it's compact size and easy to follow simple steps. Results were obvious after 2 weeks and now I carry it along when I'm travelling though I already knew the steps and sequence by heart. One of the extremely few impulsive buys I didn't regret.

Great book, perfect size, and it really works!

This books is simply great. I've been using it for about 8 weeks and the six pack is definately there. The book has three workouts, each of about 8 exercises, and each taking about 15-20 mins. For it to work I guess you have to exercise 3 or 4 times a week (as I have). The book does have some hard and unusual exercises in it, such as the ball-pike and bench reverse crunch. Many of the exercises may seem familiar and similar to each other, but the book succeeds in three key areas: Firstly it helps you focus your workout on your abs (rather than just doing a few crunches before you leave the gym.) Secondly, the pictures and explanations help you get your technique right, and technique is everything! Thirdly each workout is designed as a set of exercises that complement each other and when performed together in a workout have a greater effect than when performed in isolation.In summary this is a great book, and because it's small you can take it in to the gym and keep it by your side while you exercise. Also, it is suitable for just about anyone - if you're an absolute beginner, or a hardened athlete, or somewhere in the middle like me, you can find your own level and work on from there.

Great ab book with simplified instruction

I've seen and read many books and magazines that offer so many different ways/gimmicks to trim up and build your abdominal area. This compact book gives you 3 great ab workouts to train within a week, gives helpful tips on diet and cardio, and makes the training sessions simple but effective. The exercises are innovative, focused, and work very well. If you're looking for a great guide for the money, this book has it all. I was able to see positive results within 2 weeks.