If you workout religiously but aren't seeing the six pack abdominals that you're working for, then your muscles may be hiding under a layer of body fat. This is a big problem for a lot of people, especially women. Targeting that trouble area with the right exercises will help defined abs emerge. In this article, we'll tell you how to get six pack abs by using a combination of cardio and stomach exercises.

The key to an effective six pack abs workout is to choose exercises that fatigue your ab muscles, so that they actually need recovery time. Include some exercises that use the abs functionally; in other words, the way they're used in real life. For example, abdominals are used to stabilize the body. Feel this function by holding a push-up position without letting your belly sag. Don't do the push-up - just keep holding the position and feel your abs stretch and contract to stabilize your body. As you become stronger, put your feet up on a weight bench or a stability ball.

Many people are now using exercise balls to get stronger, leaner and flat abs. This is an exercise for people at a more advanced fitness level. Using a large exercise ball, begin in a push-up position and place your shins on top of the exercise ball. Keep your back completely straight and pull your knees in towards your chest. Allow the ball to roll forward under your ankles. Be sure to contract your abs at the peak of the movement and then straighten your legs, rolling the ball back to the starting position. You'll feel the burn after just a few reps.

If you prefer to work on your six pack abdominals at the gym, then use cable crunches to strengthen your entire midsection. The cable crunch is very similar to the reverse ab crunch that you would do on the floor. Instead of lying on your back, you are in the kneeling position with your back slightly arched. Holding the ends of the rope, you are effectively crunching towards your knees. You can also alternate the exercise to work the oblique muscles by crunching from side to side.

Besides being attractive, six pack abdominals have a number of health benefits. A strong core improves your posture by helping you stand up straighter, thus taking the strain off of your back. Strong ab muscles also decrease your risks of back injury. When lifting heavy objects, it's easy to strain your back. Strong abdominal muscles help prevent back injuries because your abs will share some of the load. Like anything worthwhile, getting ripped abs takes time and patience, but the results are definitely worth the effort.