Q
“Are sit-ups the only way to get abs? Im 5′8 180 and I’ve gotten myself into the routine of running daily. However, are crunches and sit-ups the only exercise I can do to get abs? and can I get abs by running everyday? And is their any other exercise I can do to get them? I’m not looking for huge muscles, just enough so I feel good about the way I look. Please help, thank you”
A-Everyone has abs, including you. Some have layers of fat covering their abs. If you didn’t have abs you wouldn’t be able to stand upright, walk, run etc. Ever notice how a woman who has had a C-section is bedridden for a period of time afterwards? This is because the abdominal wall has been cut.
In order for you to see your 6pack, you need to get you bodyfat low enough for them to show…..doing some situps/crunches and even running is not the answer. The truth is ab exercises will help strengthen your abs, but that’s about it. They DO NOT shrink your belly.
So what I’m saying is you can have the strongest abs in the world and still have an enormous sized waist at the same time.
My best example, take an Offensive/Defensive lineman in the NFL. These guys are 6ft+ and well over the 300lbs range. Humongous athletes. I bet many of them hve some of the strongest abs on this planet, yet do you see a 6 pack? Not hardly. You’ll see a belly and some of them look sloppy. Coaches and player personnel go so far as to test their bodyfat, if they don’t meet the necessary requirments, they’re subject to fines or getting cut.
If you want to lose unwanted ugly fat from your stomach then you must eat the right foods at the right times and follow a sound exercise program. Your exercise program should be in the form of high intensity interval training. Using intervals for both cardio and strength training. Spending long hours running and doing cardio is not the answer either. Shorter bursts at higher intensity’s are the most effective.
The building of lean muscle tissue is what you’re going to need. The muscle you build will help you to burn fat during your resting periods.
Sit ups and crunches- do away with those.
Try core movements and integrating multiple muscle groups. This will help you to burn more calories and build strength. You’re core is the strong tower of your whole body. A weak core, means you’re weak. Your core isn’t just your abs, but includes pretty much every muscle between the middle of your thigh almost up to your shoulders.
Last but not least, give rest periods in between the days you work your core. People who do sit ups and crunches everyday amaze me (they never let the muscle rest or repair). At the bottom of this blog, I’ve attached a youtube link of some of my favorite core exercises. The exercises are advanced, but I will post more for all fitness levels. I just want you to have an idea of how more powerful your body can be when you strengthen and challenge your core oppose to 50 crunches and or 50 sit ups and repeating them everyday.
Devoted to your Success,
Benson Manento
Need a sound program? click below
www.atlanta-personal-trainer.com
PS-here’s the link for youtube it’s less than 1min
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