The Ultimate Abs Exercise Plan
Having worked at Men's Health magazine for more than 10 years, I've seen all the trends. (Uh, electrodes on my abs? No, thanks.)

I've talked to trainers. I've tried just about every exercise ever concocted. In a lot of ways, my workout is my work. But I'm also busy with calls, meetings and all the stresses that go with any job.

So I know you want an exercise plan that fits into your life - not one that is your life.

This routine is short and simple. In addition to performing this workout three times a week, train your largest muscle groups with classic moves like squats, bench presses, dead lifts and rows. And add the 12 Abs Diet power-foods to your diet.

The end result: you'll lose fat, build muscle, flatten your stomach - and change your body forever.

The Workout
This routine attacks your midsection from every angle, so your abs are constantly challenged.

Choose one exercise from each section, for a total of five. Perform one move straight after the other for the specified number of repetitions, then repeat the circuit.

After four weeks, choose the exercise in each group that you didn't perform in your previous workouts. This ensures that your muscles are always adapting to new stress.

Burn Off Your Belly
This interval routine is designed to strip away the excess flab that's concealing your six-pack.

Do it three days a week, after your weights session or on the days in between. Use your mode of choice - a treadmill, exercise bike or rowing machine.

Step 1
Warm up for three to five minutes at an easy pace - about 30 to 40 per cent of your best effort.

Step 2
Run, cycle or row at 95 per cent of your maximum effort for 30 seconds.

Step 3
Perform active rest, slowing down to your warm-up speed for 90 seconds.

Step 4
Repeat five to seven times.

Step 5
Once you can complete eight intervals, reduce the length of your active rest periods by five to 10 seconds for each workout, until they're only 30 seconds long.

Live Longer!
A 13-year Canadian study of more than 8000 people found that those with the weakest abdominal muscles had a death rate more than twice that of people with the strongest midsections.

Lift More!
A stronger core supports your spine, so you can lift more weight in every exercise. Case in point: researchers in Canada found that men bench-pressed 40 per cent more on a stable surface (which best supported their spines) than on an unstable surface.

Prevent Injuries!
Research shows that men with the best-conditioned abdominal muscles - guys who can perform at least 73 sit-ups in two minutes - are five times less likely to suffer from a lower-body injury than those who can knock out only 50.

Improve Your Posture!
Tight lower-back muscles (as a result of excessive running) pull your spine out of its natural alignment. However, strengthening your abs can correct this muscular imbalance, aiding your posture and allowing your body to function properly.

*Both books are available from Rodale: Get Fit, Stay
Fit, $35; The Abs Diet, $19.95.