Best ab workouts for men - Starting off

Look, we all want a set of abs to brag about. Problem is, the six pack is probably buried under a keg unless you're an extreme training addict, MMA fighter or genetic freak.

So it's time to get off the couch and start a routine to swear by. It's 2012 kids, and we aren't getting any younger. You want extreme training? We'll give it to you.

Here are a few workouts to help sculpt those abs into something worthy of a magazine cover. You'll find getting ripped isn't as impossible as it looks.

Elbow planks

- A good warmup for beginner and intermediate ab workouts.

Assume a pushup position, but with your elbows bent and your weight resting on your forearms. Your body should form a straight line. Now brace your abs as if someone were about to punch you in the gut. Hold for 30 seconds. Rest 30 seconds, and repeat once.

  

Single leg side planks

- A good warmup for beginner and intermediate ab workouts. Lay on your side and extend your upper body with your forearm perpendicular to your body. Lift your leg and keep it there as long as you can. For an extra challenge, use ankle weights.

Hip lifts 

- Lay down on your back. Keep legs straight and don't let them rock back as your lift your hips. Keep palms on the ground facing up - don't use your hands to push up. Only use your hips for raising - it's tougher than it looks!

What is the longest marathon in the world? Well, it's 3,100 miles ...

The grueling 3,100-Mile Self Transcendence Race is the longest certified foot race in the world. The competitors seek to complete 5649 laps of a .5488 mile course (883 meters) in a timespan of 52 days. This year's 3,100-mile race will start on June 12.

The event record is currently held by Madhupran Wolfgang Schwerk of Germany. In 2006, Madhupran completed the race in 41 days 8 hours, averaging 75 miles per day. This broke his own previous record of 42 days 13 hours in the 2002 race.

The cornerstone of founder Sri Chinmoy's philosophy is the expression of self-transcendence - going beyond personal limits and reaching new levels of inner and outer perfection. Whether it be in the athletic world or any endeavor, for someone to transcend his previous achievements is inner progress and an expression of a new determination, which can only bring us closer to our destined goal - real satisfaction.

So who's up for it? Anyone? If so, be sure to take your XT46 gear for maximum performance. Find out more about the race here.

XT46 Flash workouts | Extreme flash mob

Who needs a gym? At XT46, we train on the trails, on the pier and right in your neighborhoods. We are the fighters, soldiers and extreme athletes that never settle for second-best. Unleash your inner soldier and get inspired with these XT46 extreme workouts, flash mob style.

After you check the videos, share your favorite extreme workouts with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Training for military | How fit must you be to serve the armed forces?

For anyone curious about training for the military must know a few things up front - it's not going to be easy and you'd best be prepared for anything.

Get ready for a whole lotta this.

With that said, fitness is paramount to serving your country and serving it well. To give you an idea, one Navy SEAL recommends the following:

"The bottom line is you cannot make a bad decision to serve your country -- just show up with an above average fitness level. Be able to run 6:00-7:00 miles for several miles, be able to do 100 push-ups and sit-ups with ease, and do15-20 pull-ups."

Learn more about his suggestions for military fitness by reading this article. It's a good overview of what to expect from enlisting. Make sure your training gear surpasses expectations by checking out XT46.

3 workouts for bored soldiers and househusbands

Dude, you’re bored at home with the kids (essentially "mommy with a beard") or stationed in Camp NoWhere. May as well make the most of it with these three workout tips for bored soldiers and househusbands.

"I'll take it to go."

Dog racing

1. Instead of walking the pooch, tie a Twinkie to its collar and try to catch your favorite snack.

2. $5 says “Rover” will give you one hell of a workout and leave you dog-tired.

Killer Medicine Ball Workout for Extreme Training - YouTube

Balls to the wall! Check out this extreme training workout video that puts medicine balls to good use. As an added bonus, throwing the ball out of anger doubles as a decent workout. It's win-win, baby.

Killer Medicine Ball Workout for Extreme Training - YouTube