One question that we all want answers to is … should I get abs before bulking?
Well, the answer is No.
There is no reason to get abs because it will be a waste of time and energy if you’re planning on bulking. Remember, while bulking most of the weight will be fat and water and some will be muscle.
Everyone has abs even you. However, some of us don’t see it due to having a high body fat percentage. Abs are visible from under 12% of body fat. When bulking, your food intake will increase and so will the body fat. Therefore, there is no reason to get abs before. You will be saying “Bye Bye” to your abs. After bulking phase, you will be cutting down which will lower your body fat and help see your abs back. Did you know? … It takes roughly 2,800 additional calories to build one pound of muscle.
There is an alternative method to bulking which is called Maingaining.
Now Maingaining is suitable for a skinny and slim physique. If you love your abs but want to increase your muscle mass then maingaining is for you.
With Maingaining the process of gaining muscle is slower than bulking but you will be maintaining your abs and body fat. Over time, you will be building muscle and seeing good progress in like a year or two. Furthermore, with maingaining, you will not have to eat a crazy amount of calories every day unless you’re bulking.
Can you bulk and get abs at the same time?
Well, the answer is no. The process of bulking will increase your bodyfat as you will put lots of fat, store water and some muscle. This means the fat will be all over your body and the fat will be on your abdominals covering your abs. Therefore you can’t get abs while bulking. You will have the abs but it won’t be visible due to high percentage of bodyfat.
What should I do to get 6-packs?
Inorder to get abs, there are 3 things you have to follow.
- Cardio and Explosive training
- Abdominal training
- Diet
1. Cardio and Explosive training
The main aim for cardio and Explosive training is to loose bodyfat from all over the body. The more you do them the more lean you will get and your abs will be visible.
List of Cardios which your can perform:
- Running/jogging
- Sets machine
- Cycling
- Row machine
- Sports
Also, adding Explosive training can be very beneficial to losing bodyfat, enhancing athletic performance and improving balance.
2. Abdominal training
The main aim for abdominal training is to gain core strength and give your abs shape and more defined. There are lots of exercise that can be performed which are:
- Sit ups
- Leg Raises
- Crunches
- Planks
- Hanging knee raise
- Abs roll out
- Mountain Climbers
There are more abdominal exercises which you can perform.
3. Diet
Diet is very important which is comes to getting six packs as it will help maintain and decrease your bodyfat overtime.
List of foods to eat for getting six-packs abs
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Tea
- Fish
- Legumes (lentils, beans, peas, and peanuts)
- Nuts and seeds
Also, cutting down with junks food/snacks is necessary when it comes to getting six packs abs.
Conclusion
I personally recommend maingaining diet to lots of clients as it will help build abs and increase muscle mass over time. Lastly, in order to see your abs you will need to have lower bodyfat, stronger core and maintain a good clean diet. This will help your maintain your abs and even them more defined.
