This home ab blast routine will make your six-pack pop for the weekend.

By: Dan Welden

Abs are often considered the holy grail of the male physique. Some are naturally blessed with a six-pack, while others have to work hard for them. Though it’s definitely not a qualifier of how attractive a man really is, people will often overlook personality and other important traits for a nice set of abs. I’m just as guilty of this, but what can I say? I’m a sucker for abs.

With that said, are your abs ready for action this weekend? Have you done the prep work for casual contact on the dance floor? If not, help is on the way. Here’s how to get those abs club-ready from the comfort of your own home.

The pre-club ab blast should take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Each cluster should be performed in a circuit-like fashion, which means you will perform each cluster of exercises back-to-back with minimal breaks. Repeat each cluster three times, and as always, consult a physician before beginning any exercise regimen to insure minimal injury risk.

CLUSTER 1

Cross-Body Crunch: 3 sets x 30 seconds per side

Lying Leg Raise: 3 sets x 1 minute

Side Bridge: 3 sets x 30 seconds per side

CLUSTER 2

Side Jackknife: 3 sets x 30 seconds per side

Crunches: 3 sets x 1 minute

Air Bike: 3 sets x 30 seconds per side

If you can’t complete the exercises within the designated time, don’t get discouraged. Use it as a goal. Push yourself each time until you can complete the routine within 20 minutes. If you find the routine too easy, increase the intensity and make it more complicated. Go for longer periods, incorporate weights and bands, do an extra set, or up the tempo. You can also incorporate this routine into your regular workout program, and the results will be far better if you integrate an ab routine at least three times per week.

Finally, don’t forget that abs are really made in the kitchen. You can do all the ab workouts in the world, but if you’re not eating properly, you’ll never get the perfect six-pack. Speak with a nutritionist or registered dietitian about a diet that will fit your lifestyle.