Articles  & Research

 So, you say you want a "six pack" of abs, that is)- These myths Just might be keeping you from Your Goal!!!

BY: Dianne Villano, CPFI  www.custombodiestampabay.com
When discussing fitness goals with clients, one of the most requested objectives is "a 6 - pack like ...(underwear model, athlete...take your pick). Many people, however are not willing to make the lifestyle changes necessary to achieve the low levels of body fat necessary to achieve the washboard look so highly coveted. That's okay, though because the benefits of abdominal training far outweigh those of having a sexy 6 pack. A strong stomach promotes good posture and helps keep you free from back problems as well as helping to overcome existing back problems.

So, here is a start, the following are "myths" that I hear most frequently regarding abdominal training and clearing them up will have you well on your way to developing a stronger stomach.

 

Myth #1: You need to train your abs everyday. When it comes to training, your abs are like every other muscle.

Fact: In order to get the most benefit, you have to train them hard and allow sufficient rest between sessions. You also have to make them work harder. They also grow just like any other muscle and training them disproportionately will cause them to grow disproportionate to your other musculature.

Myth #2 : Doing sit ups will trim your waistline.
Fact : You can’t reduce waistline fat simply by doing ab exercises. Spot reduction just does not happen! You need to do ab exercises to develop the abdominal muscles. They need to be strengthened just like your glutes or your biceps but in order to actually see those ab muscles, you need to strip the fat that's covering them.

Myth #3: You need to do many more reps for ab exercises.
Fact Not so. The most common training mistake when it comes to the abs is poor technique. Not feeling it even after 100 sit ups? You’re probably working your hip flexor muscles instead of your abs. You may also be using too large a range of motion and failing to keep tension on the abdominal muscles throughout the entire set. Momentum is also another challenge.

 Copyright © Custom Bodies, Inc.  2004

Article written by Dianne Villano, President of Custom Bodies in Tampa Bay, Fl . Custom Bodies has been serving the bay area since 1996  with weight loss & fitness programs for every fitness level.   Dianne is a personal fitness instructor certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and a frequent speaker on health and fitness related topics with articles published in over 20 media outlets including Weight Loss & Obesity Resource Center, Women’s Exercise Network, Self Growth , Gateway to Beauty & Life tools for Women. For more articles , free  fitness tools or information on programs  visit www.custombodiestampabay.com

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