When I wanted to get in better shape and lose weight, my main focus was on how to get a six pack fast.  I got a personal trainer to help me with that and he showed me why eating right and sticking to a good, solid exercise routine was so important in reaching my goal.  He said that the health benefits of muscular abs goes farther than just the six pack I wanted.  Learning all of this, it makes sense that there is more to it than just getting the abs in shape.  Getting the rest of the body in shape to match it is important as well.