May 3, 2014

“Ab”sessed???

Are you obsessed with the look, feel and rewarding feeling of confidence with rock hard ABS?, well you’re not alone. In reviewing a study published by the American Council on Exercise in the May edition of “IDEA Fitness Journal” – ABS! ABS! ABS!, the publication reviews the effectiveness of 16 popular AB exercises. “Tight, well-sculpted abs aren’t just for good looks; they are key to improving core strength, reducing lower back pain and enhancing sports performance” – (ACE – IDEA Fitness).

Obtaining those rock hard abs, can be done in a multitude of ways, however which path of ab exercises leads us to the most beneficial results? The study took a look at, ready for this?, the following 15 AB exercises: AB Circle Pro, Ab Roller, Ab Lounge, Perfect Sit-up, Ab Coaster, Ab Rocket, Ab Wheel , Ab Straps, Yoga boat pose, stability ball crunch, decline bench curl-up, captain’s chair crunch, bicycle crunch, side plank, and front plank. The results of the studies findings were quite humbling. “The research determined that none of the exercise devices or positions elicited greater muscle activation than the traditional crunch, in fact the Ab Wheel, Ab Circle Pro and side/front planks all had much lower activation in the upper rectus abdominis.   They fared the same results when it came to activating the lower rectus abdominis as well. However, when working those external obliques, there were six abdominal exercises that had significantly higher muscle activation.

Well, all this research and what does it all mean? Simply, roll out that yoga mat or find a comfortable spot on the ground and get to crunching….

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About Geoff Rubin