Anyone looking to get in shape should know that turning a shapeless tummy into ripped abs doesn’t happen overnight. But sheer determination isn’t the only thing you need to get the look you want. In fact, many people spend years trying to sculpt 6-pack abs but don’t see the results they want. This is because they are probably unaware that there is a science behind bodybuilding and sculpting.

A myth that people cling to is that doing abdominal exercises consistently will give them the body they want. While it will help build muscle in the area, it is not an effective way to get rid of the body fat that hides these muscles. The best way to address this is through proper diet and aerobic exercise.

Going on a diet to help your body burn belly fat doesn’t mean resorting to fads that tell you not to eat specific things or measure portions. In fact, following a proper diet involves knowing how to eat smart so you can build more muscle and lose excess weight for those six pack abs.

For example, in an effort to cut down, some people simply reduce the amount of food they eat. But by doing so, they also deplete essential nutrients that can help build your muscles. Eating smart in this case will mean eating healthier foods than just cutting out the junk. Therefore, in order to sculpt six-pack abs, knowing which foods will help and which will stop your progress is essential.

Aerobic training, such as running, cycling, and swimming, also plays an integral role in reducing body fat. But to sculpt ripped abs, you need to preserve muscle mass while burning fat. Doing pure cardio for too long will cost you the excess calories needed to build muscle. Instead, look for exercises that help you burn fat and build muscle simultaneously.

After burning fat to create a lean body, the next step is to not only build muscle in your abs, but also improve your entire core strength. This means going beyond standard crunches and performing exercises to train your obliques, lower back, glutes, and hips to build a stable core for solid abs.

However, building a solid set of six pack abs isn’t just about training. The power of rest and relaxation should not be underestimated, as it allows sore muscles to repair themselves. To make sure you gain muscle and don’t lose it, emphasize getting enough rest every night and not working your body to exhaustion.