Ab Training Pitfalls to Avoid
Want a flatter stomach and more toned abs? If you answered “yes,” don’t fall for all the fancy workout gizmos, latest DVDs and fad diets. There are many pitfalls to avoid on the way to getting a six pack, but you can avoid them by following these tips.
Don’t Over Crunch!
Crunches have long been the go-to ab exercise, and they can give your core a good workout, but there are many more effective ways to tone your abs. When you do crunches, you are mainly working only your rectus abdominus muscles. To work your whole core, grab your fitness gloves or workout grips and fight belly bulge with plank work, ballerina twists and other moves.
Don’t Do Too Many Reps
If you are doing exercises properly, you really only need to do 8 to 15 reps to get the results you want and target your core muscles. Think about it – you wouldn’t do 100 reps when lifting weights with your fitness grips, so why would you do that many crunches a day? If you think doing that will spot-reduce fat from your gut, think again!
Focus on Form
The key to really developing your core and abs is to stay focused on your form. During each movement, your abs should be deeply engaged. Pulling your belly button toward your spin can help you better engage more muscles and make each move you do more effective.
Don’t Neglect Your Whole Core
Your ab workout should focus on your whole core, not just the rectus abdominus muscles that run down your torso’s front. You also need to work your obliques (the muscles that run across your middle diagonally), your transverse abdominus (which runs below the rectus abdominus) and your back.
What are your favorite ab exercises? Share your top picks with our readers in the comments below!
