Ab Core Routine and Discussion
Nothing says “In Shape” better than a trim and tight midsection. Most people want it, very few will ever get it.
The problem lies in the fact that very few do what’s needed in the right fashion to really see real results. That explains why the process of developing rock hard abs is the most challenging aspect of any working routine.
Here’s a six point blueprint to getting amazingly sexy abs.
#1. – Proper nutrition, Resistance Training, Moderate Aerobic Exercise vs. Crunches
If you ever read a magazine ad or viewed a late night commercial and truly thought that those ab crunch machines really worked…well, I can’t help you. You’re just too gullible.
You need to understand that your body is a machine that requires good fuel to operate efficiently, a sufficient amount of resistance training and moderate aerobic exercise . These components are responsible for maintaining muscle mass and helping to burn fat off your frame. Another thing to remember is that your body does not allow you to “spot isolate” any particular area. So you can do crunches all day long and it still won’t help eliminate fat.
#2. – Focus on training your entire body
If you use all the muscles in your body during your workouts, there’s a better chance of your metabolism increasing. That means your body will be burning fat at a more rapid pace. It also means that your abs will begin appearing much quicker. So stop the “body part” workouts and give yourself a whole new look.
#3. – Use all six ab muscles
So many people strive for awesome abs but only focus on one or two of the abdominal muscles. The abs are broken up into six parts. All six parts need to be utilized fully every time. You have the Rectus Abdominis which runs from the bottom of the breast bone to the top of the pubic bone. This muscle is responsible for flexing the spine. Then you have the Transverse Abdominis which runs from the sides to the front of the body and lies horizontally beneath the rib cage. Its main role is to stabilize the trunk. Below that are the four oblique muscles. You have the Internal Obliques and the External Obliques. Each of those four operate together to allow the trunk to twist.
#4. – Understand that your legs aren’t part of your ab exercise
A good rule of thumb is if you’re doing any type of crunching exercise and you are feeling it in the front of your thighs and hips…STOP! That’s a sure sign that you are cheating. This assistance from these muscles indicate that you aren’t really working your abs as efficiently as you should. So, next time try you’re lying on the floor, keeping your knees bent. Also, treat your abs just like any other muscle. They are not meant to be focused on every single exercise session. Give them time to rest, recover and grow.
#5. – Train to stand up straight
Your posture plays a very important role in having your abs “pop out”. So you not only need to focus on the shoulders and the lower back when you exercise, you need to pay attention to how you sit in a chair too. By strengthening these muscles you’ll prevent your body from collapsing in on itself.
#6. – Learn to be flexible
After a hard workout, you’re not done until you stretch. This goes hand-in-hand with training your postural muscles. Flexibility increases your range of motion and assists with helping you elongate the body. Incorporate stretching after every workout.
If you follow these guidelines, the look of a lean midsection will be a reality in no time.
© 2009 BCFitness, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Billy Carney has a vision. He believes that he can help shape and change the world by teaching people how to become fit, lean and healthy.
He is a nationally recognized certified personal fitness trainer, personal coach and author, who has been making a difference in people?s lives since 1999. Dedicated to providing knowledge about the benefits of physical fitness, Billy?s continues to make strides in influencing others to put fitness first. Billy is the owner of BCFitness, Inc. and is a sought after fitness expert recognized for creating innovative and exciting workouts that produce rapid and long lasting results.
He can be found at: http://www.bcfitness.net and http://www.fitoverfourty.wordpress.com