Best cardio workout to keep the cut look?

[Glenn47]

Hey guys, I've been working out for a few months now, and I'm following a routine established by a personal trainer. I'm a medium build guy with slowly improving muscles, and I'm honestly getting closer and closer to what those guys in the Marines commercials look like when running. (something I'm becoming proud of!)

So I'm working on a six pack, and I can see the divisions of abs and whatnot when I lean back and flex them, but it's only when I lean back. Otherwise I can only see the lines on each side of my pack. I suspect it has something to do with needing better cardio that can tone up that area (along with the ab workouts I'm already doing).

So I guess my question is: What would the best cardio workout be for my abs? The exercise bike with the moving arms? Ellipticals? Treadmill? Or should I just start running outside when it gets warmer?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Oh yeah, and I'm 5' 10 1/2", 169 lbs, and 9.7% body fat.

[Vapor]

ABS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH CARDIO.

You need to eat less food.

[Glenn47]

Well...my diet is pretty good...been eating healthy as hell lately.

I guess what I'm saying is that I'm ALMOST there, I just need to know if there's something specific I could be doing or if I should just stick with my workout and let results happen.


EDIT: Ah, you know what? I read through 6 or so threads and thought the topic was untapped, but then I read a more detailed version of your post in another thread. So...thanks!

[Vapor]

yep, if you're working out, you more likely need to tweak diet rather than exercise. You can also be eating very healthy, but if the calories are too high you will still carry a little extra fat.

[Amorphous]

Vapor, first off, you jumped to conclusion. You don't have to eat less food, you have to make better choices. You don't even have to decrease calories as long as you change macronutrient ratios. If he eats 2000 calories a day of sugar, he will be chubby. If he eats 2000 calories a day of steak, he will be cut to the bones.

Cut out processed carbs 100%, drink around 100-120 ounces of water, eat more protein. Focus on eating protein shakes, oatmeal, grilled chicken, lean beef, salads with vinegar as dressing, and do 30 minutes of cardio 2x/week, and do 10 100m sprints on a track 2x/week. Should get you there.

If you're really close to your goal, read up on the Atkins diet and start doing it. After doing it for 2 weeks, add in 45 minutes of cardio/4-5x per week. If you are around 12-15% bodyfat, then you should be shredded in around 6-8 weeks probably, around 7% bodyfat.

[Glenn47]

I'll be sure to look up some info on the Atkins diet, thanks!

While we're on the topic of being cut, what are your thoughts on whole wheat? I LOVE Subway, and have been aiming towards the healthier subs as my only form of "fast food" left.

Damn I miss McDonalds.

[Vapor]

Originally Posted by Amorphous

Vapor, first off, you jumped to conclusion.

Correct. I jumped to the correct conclusion that somebody without abs eats too many calories.

If he eats 2000 calories a day of sugar, he will be chubby. If he eats 2000 calories a day of steak, he will be cut to the bones.

Not if his maintenance level of calories is 1850 cal/day. Then he won't get leaner at all.

[Amorphous]

First off, you don't have to be so combative man, I know multiple people at sub-10% bodyfat without visible abs, so your conclusion could be wrong.

Secondly, no need to nitpick, I was simply highlighting that you are wrong that calories in calories out is not enough. With the same # of calories he is eating now, if he changes macronutrient ratios he will get leaner.

Glenn47, I'm not such a fan of Subway, the bread is super processed and causes insulin spikes. And their low-carb wraps are gross. I miss McDs all the time too but to be honest, now I do a roughly isocaloric, high protein, moderate carb, low fat diet and 1x/week I have a cheat day, and I always cop myself a Big Mac meal, which is delicious.

That's the only bad thing about Atkins, you have to stay consistent and not cheat.

[angelo25]

make sure when you do abs you mix it up, i dont monitor my diet to much but i mix up my ab workouts and cardio alot (ive gotten pretty good results) walking at an incline, running and sprints ect.

[teachercd]

Originally Posted by Vapor

Correct. I jumped to the correct conclusion that somebody without abs eats too many calories.

Not if his maintenance level of calories is 1850 cal/day. Then he won't get leaner at all.

Vapor you are not really totally wrong, but pretty close. I am a strength and conditioning coach and the other guy that gave the advice about what to eat and doing sprints is correct.