Lately, I've been seeing more and more of the Youtube channel sixpackshortcuts. Their channel is being promoted to great extents. I've seen it placed side by side with everything from football highlights to music videos. There are even advertisements on other websites, urging web surfers to see the fastest way to get six pack abs. So just what is the big deal with sixpackshortcuts and it's creator, Mike Chang?
Let's start off with the website itself, http://sixpackshortcuts.com/
 |
| Just what is sixpackshortcuts? Who is Mike Chang? |
On the homepage, a video plays immediately with Mike Chang delivering a presentation of the sixpackshortcuts program. Mike claims to be a ISAA certified personal trainer. The basis of his invention is the after-burn effect.
After-burn: The amount calories burned up to 48 hours after your workout. According to Chang, the program is designed to maximize after burn effect through weight training, high intensity cardio, and nutrition. (He claims to have learned how to get ripped abs from his personal trainer, "Zach", and personal research. He says that he has clients that pay him thousands of dollars for what he is giving you for free. He even goes on to say that he'll have to take down the video! Absolutely absurd.)
The 4 key variables he outlines are Resistance, Rest, Repetition, Intensity.
Sixpackshortcuts is split into 4 stages:
1. Making your metabolism more active and ready to make lean muscle.
2. Burn your belly fat.
3. Build up your core muscles.
4. Maintain physique.
Interestingly enough, the first testimonial in the sixpackshortcuts presentation is Dan Rose, who happens to work with sixpackshorts in at least one video, seen here. In that same video, Chang explains the "Top 3 Fat Loss SHORTCUTS". Before starting though, Rose opens by saying there are shortcuts to getting abs: working out, eating right, and "doing things in a smarter way to get results faster". However, ridiculously enough, the first "shortcut" Chang tells viewers is to "look leaner without actually being leaner". Obviously, that is
not a fat loss shortcut. The second tip he gives us is "when you're doing your cardio, use your entire body instead of just half your body". This makes sense because you will burn more energy and lose fat. It's still a bit of a stretch to call it a shortcut. Some might call it common sense. The last fat loss "shortcut" Chang explains is to have back up plans, for both workouts and meals. Yes, having back up plans can certainly help you stay on track but frankly, it's a bit silly to call this one a shortcut.
A shortcut is:
n.
1. A more direct route than the customary one.
2. A means of saving time or effort.
The sixpackshortcuts system comes with his workout plans, eating system, and 30-day membership to Mike's Advanced Fitness Coaching Program (After the first month, there will be a recurring charge of $67 for five months if not cancelled within the trial period. Chang says members will get extra videos and the ability to email trainers/consultants.). The system is priced at a retail value of $491(I am not sure how this is calculated) but offered for $97 dollars. See it for yourself here: https://sixpackshortcuts.com/cart/
Conclusion:
In all honesty, what the sixpackshortcuts program gives you is decent. It appears to teach you how to lose fat without diet pills and ineffective training. However, a lot of the information they provide you is a bit common place if you are willing to do a little research yourself. It seems as though they use the term "shortcuts" as a marketing
tool..although some of the advice they give are arguably shortcuts. The price tag of $97 is steep for me, especially when there are many free sources of information, such as
Scooby's Workshop and
arthlete.com. Also, high intensity workouts are not for everyone. Mike Chang stresses that the program consists of 30 minute workouts, 4 times a week, and that it is scientifically proven. It should be duly noted that
his program is not scientifically proven, but the fact that high intensity workouts are proven to burn calories post-workout. Despite this, there are many ads that are displayed on Youtube that imply otherwise.
 |
| Note: The ad does not depict Mike Chang. Additionally, this ad says "Cambridge scientists" |
 |
| Incredibly misleading, photoshopped without a doubt! Here it says "Scientists in China"! |
 |
| Major discrepancy in the two bodies. |
