Running can contribute to getting defined abs, but it's not the sole factor. While running helps reduce overall body fat, which is crucial for revealing abdominal muscles, it doesn't directly build significant abdominal muscle mass.
The Role of Running in Achieving Defined Abs
According to exercise physiologist Todd Buckingham, Ph.D., running can help you achieve defined abs. However, it's crucial to understand that running primarily improves cardiovascular health and burns calories, leading to fat loss. This fat loss is essential because visible abs are a result of low body fat percentage, allowing the underlying abdominal muscles to become more apparent.
What Running Does:
- Burns Calories: Running is an effective calorie-burning exercise, contributing to overall weight loss.
- Improves Cardiovascular Health: It strengthens your heart and improves blood circulation.
- Contributes to Fat Loss: Reduced body fat is key to seeing defined abs.
What Running Doesn't Do:
- Directly Build Significant Abdominal Muscle: Running primarily works larger muscle groups like legs and glutes. It doesn't sufficiently target the abdominal muscles for significant growth.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
To achieve defined abs, you need a combined approach:
- Cardiovascular Exercise (like running): For calorie burning and overall fat loss.
- Strength Training: To build and strengthen abdominal muscles (e.g., planks, crunches, Russian twists).
- Healthy Diet: A balanced diet supporting your fitness goals is vital for effective fat loss.
Therefore, while running plays a crucial role in reducing body fat, making abs visible, it must be complemented with targeted abdominal exercises and a healthy diet to achieve the desired results.