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Expert Q&A

	By Kelli Calabrese Exercise Physiologist

After three kids, is it possible to get six-pack abs? Could you give me a realistic idea of how much time I would have to put in and what sort of exercise routine I would be looking at to achieve this? I'm not new to exercise, but I am a casual participant at the moment. I am trying to decide how much effort I want to put into this body of mine.

The great news is that it is possible! How much time it will take depends on:

• 1. how committed you are
• 2. how close to a six pack you are

Some ladies can miss a meal or two and have a six pack. Others are much further off.

You are going to be living in your body for hopefully a very long time. You may as well be proud of it and love it. The good news is that you don't need a lot of time. You can see results in as little as 30 minutes a day 5 days a week with your exercise routine. Total body exercises such as plank work are a great way to work the abs. Then you also want to incorporate some abdominal isolation work such as a variety of crunches, rotational exercises and leg work that stimulates the core. Finally, things like kickboxing and boot camp are great for a defined six pack.

Nutrition of course is going to play an important role in seeing the six pack you build.

View more Q&A by this Expert