Crunches are Dangerous Pt. 2
In last weeks post I explained why crunches should not be the primary exercise for your abs or core or whatever else you want to call it. In fact if you never did a single crunch again I think you would be much better off.
So how do we train our abs and get a flat tummy or six pack abs?
For one, abs exercises will not give you a six pack. Only having low body fat accomplishes that, but we’ll save that for another blog post.
Ok, so what ab exercises should be do?
That’s why were here. Hold on to your seats. Some of these exercises may not be new to many, but are you actually doing them?
First we have to realize the primary function of the abdominals is to prevent movement, not create movement.
Go ahead and read that sentence again and think about it for a second. Seriously, do it. I’ll wait. Ready? OK.
Now we need to train the core in a way that will support its primary function.
We accomplish that with pillars (aka planks).
Pillars incorporate your core, arms, shoulders, glutes and thighs in one exercise. The human body love to incorporate many different body parts to accomplish a task. Your body does not think if terms of body parts, it only knows movements.
So know you are doing an exercise that that strengthens your core and uses more muscle groups which means more calories burned. Score!
See the pictures below on how to do a front pillar and a side pillar. It’s pretty self explantory. Just think straight line from head to toe. You want to squeeze your abs and your glutes to maintain that straight line.
Front Pillar
Side Pillar
Incorporate these into your workouts and your core will thank you.
