As for the exercise half of the equation, Tom recommended a "multipronged approach." You want a balanced blend of different kinds of exercise. Cardio burns major calories and can help control your appetite, while resistance training builds lean muscle that boosts your metabolism and helps you burn calories even after your workout is over. (This weekly workout plan for fat loss gives you a balanced, effective approach.)
Ab exercises, he added, actually "come last in order of importance" when it comes to getting visible abs. Tom implements a "10 percent rule" in workouts: ab exercises should make up just 10 percent of each workout, which equals six minutes of an hour-long workout or three minutes of a half-hour workout. "Spending more time on crunches is taking time away from burning calories and building . . . lean muscle," Tom explained. And if you use proper form for the entirety of your workout, engaging your core the whole time, your abs will be working even during non-ab exercises.
