The truth is, you need to focus on weight loss and core exercises in order to get the long lasting, quickest results.

If you're not determined, then no matter what you try, you'll never get the results you dream of. So only continue to read this article if you're willing to actually put the time and effort in to getting ripped abs in the least possible time (and effort).

Let's take a look at the key points you need to consider before you get started...

1. Eating right.

Everybody has a six pack, but most of us hide it under a layer of flab. If you want to show you abs off, then you need to shed the fat first. Many people have been mislead to think that sit ups will burn off fat all on their own, but the truth is that no type of exercise (especially not sit ups) will help if you're still eating the wrong types of foods.

Chicken and tuna are great for maintaining the protein levels, which will help you to build muscle. But you also need to focus on eliminating the stodgy, fat collecting types of foods such as pasta, potatoes, rice and bread.

Finally, forget about chocolate cakes and sugary drinks. If you're serious about this, replace your snacks with unsalted nuts and raisins and aim to drink plenty of water to help naturally boost your metabolism throughout the day. Trust me, you'll feel far better about yourself than stuffing cake and cola down your throat.

2. Break up your meals.

Most people follow what society dictates, which includes eating a set 3 meals per day, at a set time. You should throw this idea out of the window and regularly top yourself up with smaller, light meals or healthy snacks throughout the day. Aim for around 6-10 smaller meals and this will boost your metabolism significantly, due to your body not needing to store excess fat because it thinks it might need it later.

3. H20 Overdrive

As already mentioned, drinking water can increase your metabolism significantly. It also helps to flush out all the nasty toxins from your system and you'll feel far better as a result. Water also helps promote a sense of wellbeing which when combined with exercise can really give you a natural high throughout your day, which in turn will make you lees likely to drop into a low, burger craving state.

4. High Intensity Interval Training

It has been proven many times that high intensity training has far more benefits over normal endurance style cardio workouts and it is ideal for not only developing muscle but also shedding off the pounds too.

The are many reasons why high intensity cardio workouts are so effective, but one of the most appealing is that it will cause a continuous high metabolic rate long after you've finished your workout.

5. Positive mind = flat stomach

I believe that many people fizzle out and give up too early because they think that getting a flat stomach is something that can happen in a couple of weeks, if you work hard enough at it.

The truth is, losing weight and going on to getting toned muscles is as much about being smart in your exercises and diet as it is about a lifestyle change.

If you're not willing to change your mental and physical habits, then forget it and leave the six pack abs dream buried at the bottom that chocolate cheesecake.

I know it's hard, I know it's not always enjoyable. But if you can settle into a system that works so that you can start to see real results as you move forward, then you'll find that staying positive and motivated actually comes naturally as a result.

If you can get over the first hurdle of taking action, then the battle is 90% won.