Ab Exercise Myths

Abdominal Exercises and the Proper Training

When it comes to abdominal exercise, many myths abound in this area. Ab exercise is one of the most common fitness activities, yet still many half truths and misinformation exist on this topic. To properly train your abdominal region, you need to know the top 3 ab exercise myths, so you can avoid training in inappropriate ways. The list of these is examined in further detail below.

Myth #1: Exercising Your Abs Sheds Belly Fat

Engaging in abdominal exercise in hopes of trimming fat off your midsection, has been termed spot reduction. This long standing myth has been around for years, and the reason for this is that its appealing to many people. Yet, as attractive an option as it may sound, it is a complete fabrication. What does spot
reduction propound? It is the concept that training a certain muscle group will cause the fatty tissue in the area to decrease. The reason this doesn’t work is simple – the body’s storage of fat is not associated with the muscles at all. It is true that certain individuals may have a genetic predisposition to store fat in certain areas, such as the belly or thighs. However, working any muscle group in the body burns calories, and it is only by raising calorie output through exercise, and lowering consumption through dieting, that fat loss can be achieved.

Myth #2: Training Your Abs Everyday Guarantees a Six Pack

This myth is built on the fallacy that your abdominal muscles are different than other muscle groups. Abdominal muscle tissue is nearly identical in composition to all other muscles of the body. Why is this important to note? Muscles require rest to recover and grow, as exercising causes micro tears which must be repaired. It is as the body repairs these small tears, that the muscles become larger and stronger. Yet, when it comes to abdominal exercise, many people ignore this simple fact, and choose to over-train their abs on a daily basis.This trend may have developed due to professional bodybuilder’s routines, which incorporate daily ab exercise before a competition. However, this is a temporary increase in training, and their normal schedule leaves recovery time for their abs to heal.

Myth #3: The Sit-up is One of the Best Ab Exercises

The Sit-up is the most well known and popular ab exercises in the world. Yet, it can pose a danger to the health of your spine, and is rather ineffective as well. The Sit-up does not primarily focus on the abdominal region, and actually your main trunk flexor is the most engaged. The iliopsoas muscle does the bulk of the heavy lifting, meaning this ab exercise doesn’t target your stomach in an optimal way. The iliopsoas begins in the lower back region, and as you perform Sit-ups you are putting strain on this area of the spine. This is doubly true if you have your feet anchored by a partner or heavy object. Over time, Sit-ups can cause your iliopsoas to become stronger than your ab muscles, resulting in incorrect posture in your lower back. So, in conclusion, to target your abs most efficiently, ignore the ab exercise myths. You’ll notice a difference when at the gym, and over time you may just achieve the six pack your seeking. You’ll also avoid dangerous over-training, which will lower your risk of injury and increase your results at the same time.