Ab Exercise

The Top Four Ab Exercise Myths – Clearing Up The Confusion

Myth #1 – Doing Sit-ups are the best way to get a six pack

For decades, the sit-up has been widely accepted as an effective abdominal exercise. Thus, for someone just getting into the game of abdominal exercise, the sit-up is the logical choice. However, recent studies show that the sit-up movement is not only not very effective but puts an unhealthy level of stress on your spinal cord. The actual “six-pack” muscle, the rectus abdominis (extends the entire length of the abdomen) muscle gets little stimulation during the sit-up movement. In fact, it is the hip flexor muscles that get the most stimulation. Thus, if you wanted to specifically target the rectus abdominis, the sit-up would be a poor choice of an abdominal exercise. Also, it would be a mistake to focus on any one exercise. An ab exercise program should be one that encompasses all of the major muscles that support the spine, including but not focusing on the abs. Focusing on a specific muscle or a few specific muscles could lead to posture problems and awkward and unhealthy support of the spinal cord.

Myth #2 – Ab Workouts help you lose inches off your waist

The idea that you can remove excess fat in a specific area – or spot reduce, by exercising the muscles in the proximity of the fat is a theory that has been disproven over and over again. Ab exercises tone and firm the muscles. Losing inches off your waist cannot be accomplished by your best ab workouts routine only. The best way to lose inches off your waist is by creating a caloric deficit – burning more calories a day than you consume. A fitness routine that is most effective involves cardiovascular exercise, strength conditioning, and a healthy diet that promotes fat loss.

Myth #3 – Electrical stimulation is the best way to get a six-pack

Abs belt devices use EMS (Electronic Muscle Stimulation) technology which sends electronic impulses to the muscles via electrodes placed on the skin. Although this technology has been shown to be effective for rehabilitative physical therapy, it has never been proven to be effective for weight loss or muscle toning. There is not a single independent clinical study that supports the claims of weight loss, muscle growth or muscle strengthening by the manufacturers’. The American Council for exercise conducted a study using an average in home model EMS, the Body Shapers International BM10112BI. A total of 17 subjects underwent electrical stimulation for 8 weeks. After eight weeks of EMS training, it was concluded that “subjects experienced no significant changes in weight, body-fat percentage, strength or overall appearance”.

Myth #4 – Ab Machines are better than the traditional Ab Workout Methods

Lets face it, the popularity of ab machines and ab gadgets have little to do with the actual end result obtained, but because of slick advertising that overstates the benefits. Who can resist trying out the newest and best ab machine on the market shown in the infomercial with claims such as: “Get ripped abs in a week!” or “lose 20 lbs. in 2 weeks!” or “best way to get ripped!” A “quick fix” solution is becoming a much more appealing option than other “mundane” solutions such as “watching your diet”. The primary benefit of ab machines on the market today is to provide support for the back and neck. By taking the strain off the back and neck, you are able to target muscles such as the abdominal rectus and oblique’s more effectively. However, the most obvious limitation of ab workout equipment is they are designed for ab exercises performed only in one position. For example, the ab roller and similarly designed equipment are designed for exercises performed lying flat on your back such as the conventional sit-up and crunch. However, vital to abdominal development is variety. The most effective way to stimulate your muscles and promote growth is accomplished by changing up your ab workout routine by doing a variety of exercises that work your abdominal muscles at different angles. This is where ab machines fall short.

ab exercises

New York City Ballet: The Complete Workout, Vol. 1 and 2 $19.49 Studio: Uni Dist Corp (music) Release Date: 11/07/2006…

Gaiam Kids: Yogakids Fun Collection $9.94 YOGA KIDS:FUN COLLECTION – DVD Movie…

Grind Workout: Hip Hop Aerobics [VHS] $10.86 …

Jane Fonda’s Step Aerobic and Abdominal Workout [VHS] $9.98 This multilevel class is safe for and accessible to beginners, and just right for intermediates. Three of Fonda’s able and motivating instructors teach the 45-minute step class. Half the room does lower-intensity moves; the other uses higher steps and higher-intensity techniques. The teaching technique is excellent: a pattern is taught on the floor before taking it up on the step. One participant …

Winsor Pilates: 20 Minute Workout $9.68 20-Minute Workout Video: A fast, fun, no-nonsense program designed to sculpt your body slim in just 20 minutes a day!…