Most people would love to have an absolute rock-hard set of abs to amaze others with. Although it may seem vain in the extreme, few can really deny the appeal of looking totally ripped. The great thing is that this is entirely possible with some work. Of course, some sports out there are better than others for achieving this goal in time for that summer holiday or family get-together.
Here are the ten best sports to get a cut body with:

10 – Ballet

Some people may be surprised to see this on the list as they would not consider it a sport. Technically, it does count though and is certainly an effective way to getting in tip-top shape. Highly athletic, it builds superb flexibility in anyone who performs it due to the movements performed. The exacting stretching routine that students perform before each session also gets your muscles toned to their fullest extent. It is also superb for building hardcore strength due the many abnormal and strenuous positions you are required to hold. The fast-paced nature of the routines also make them a great calorie burner and aerobic activity. Give ballet a go for a few weeks and say hello to that six-pack!

09 – Kayaking

It might surprise some but there are a few water-based sports that are fantastic for getting cut. Regular participation in them will soon see fat disappear and lean muscle come in its place. Kayaking is one of those sports! This will build superb muscle strength and definition into your shoulders and arms due to the workout your upper body gets while on the water. It is also a great calorie burner due to the fast-paced nature of the work involved so you will also see a slimmed-down physique with any excess fat gone.

08 – Sprinting

If you take a look at the top sprinters in the world, they are all in great shape and ripped to the max. This is mainly due to the nature of the sport they are involved in and also the training they do. Sprinting involves short bursts of high-energy action which is superb for their metabolism. The anaerobic exercise involved in sprinting sees their metabolic rate increase afterwards and an accelerated calorie burning rate follow. What does this mean for you in simple terms? Calories are burnt so quickly that excess fat is never seen and all that is visible is your toned, cut muscles.

07 – Parkour

A new sport on the block is that of Parkour. This involves getting from one point to another on a set course, using only your body to do it. As this suggests, it puts great demands on your body which can soon see it get into superb shape. Your core muscles will be fully engaged due to the different movement patterns undertaken and this full-body approach is outstanding for getting you into beach-body shape. When you add in the amazing calorie burn it gives, then you can see why this can get you looking so good, so quickly.

06 – Gymnastics

When you think about the best thing you could do to get ripped, you might not instantly think of gymnastics. It may surprise you then to know that in terms of producing strong, effective results, it is almost without competition. The real secret is the different events involved that you can cross-train on. From arm strength on the rings to core on the horse or leg power with vaulting, it really offers a fabulous full-body workout. The demand to support your own body-weight when practicing this sport naturally leads to a lean, cut physique with no bulky muscle gain.

05 – Swimming

The classic ‘Swimmers Body’ is one that many people have strived to achieve when wanting to look good. When you see the unbelievable shape pro-swimmers are in, it is no surprise! Swimming is great for making your body powerful yet highly-defined for amazing muscle tone. The key is in the resistance given by the water which makes your whole-body work hard against it. Many people who struggle with other forms of exercise can swim with no ill effects which makes it suitable for pretty much everyone.

04 – Surfing

If you live near to the sea and want to get a six-pack to die for, then you need to surf. Almost all surfers have a mean set of abs due to the rapid abdominal muscle activation they have to achieve when balancing on their boards. It is also a great fat burning sport as all the muscles in your body are continually stimulated to help keep you standing. All this adds up to one intense workout that will have you shedding that excess stomach fat, fast! The tight body that you get from surfing will be the very definition of a beach body.

03 – Bouldering

This form of rock-climbing takes place on boulders or small rock formations. It still requires all the effort and intensity of traditional rock-climbing though for a great fat burner. Bouldering also requires very careful agility and body co-ordination which will give you muscle strength but not mass. As it is purely your own body weight you will be lifting, it makes you strong and agile rather than just big. As with most of the sports on our list, diet comes into it too which means they eat in a way that promotes a great body shape.

02 – Wrestling

If you want a fast-track to a cut and chiseled body, then you could do worse than take up wrestling. Although not for the faint hearted, it works your whole body in such a way that fat just melts off. Fast-twitch muscle fibers are used when training each day which increase tone without building bulk. This means that your strong, tight muscles are there for all to see when you next decide to show them off. The only worry you will have is what name you will go under and what costume you will wear!

01 – Rowing

If you want to know the best sport for getting cut then rowing is your answer. It gives a total upper body activation exercise without releasing too much testosterone, which could lead to muscle gain. Instead, rowing will simply allow for strong, lean muscles to be built that will be clearly visible. The extreme calorie burning nature of the sport will melt fat away from your body while keeping the lean muscles you have to get you ripped. Although this may not seem likely, have a look at any of the pro-rowers out there. You will see just what we mean!
Any of the sports we have looked at above are great for getting that six-pack and getting in shape. They all offer the perfect combination of full body workout and calorie burning intensity without adding bulk to your frame. Of course, choosing the sport is the easy bit – all the hardcore training may be more challenging!