Health hazards of six-pack abs!

Six-pack abs are tempting but not necessarily healthy.
Unfortunately, those aspiring to get that perfect body do not realise that it is very difficult to achieve and then maintain, that kind of an impossibly sculpted look, all the time. Laymen should be aware of the health hazards of undertaking sudden and strict regimes, before blindly following the six-pack brigade.
“Actors not just have highly trained experts to help them in every step of the way, but they also have the help of makeup, perfect lighting and special effects to enhance their look,” says Leena Mogre, fitness professional.She elaborates, “Maintaining a six-pack isn’t healthy for your body. That kind of unnatural body-fat percentage can lead to health issues. It is okay for actors because it is usually for a short period of time and also, they pay constant attention to their strict lifestyle, thanks to the fleet of staff that takes care of them.”
Clinical nutritionist Pooja Makhija says, “Maintaining a six-pack for months means that the essential body-fat percentage (12% in males and 18% in females) is compromised. This also affects the lining of the internal organs.” Another thing that is dangerous is that men renounce salt completely in order to make their six-pack look tighter.
Pooja says, “This elimination of salt from the diet can have negative repercussions.” Constantly running after that elusive six-pack, staring into your mirror for the muscles to show up, can be quite stressful too.
Swati Shah, fitness professional and a hula-hoop trainer states, “The key for everyone should be to aim for being functionally fit, rather than psyching yourself up mentally and physically to get a six-pack.”
Make your workout work for you
- Choose a workout that does not break you down
- Find out what you like to do — playing a sport, dancing, running or any exercise that you actually look forward to — and then practice that
- Have small and frequent meals
- Avoid binges at all costs
- Stay constantly hydrated
- Don’t abuse your body with artificial means like fat burners, protein supplements