If you want to build your core strength, abs and protect your body against injury then add these exercises into your training.
Why are Strong Abs Useful?
Strong abs are useful for several reasons, including:
Core stability: The abdominal muscles are part of the body’s core, which includes the muscles of the back and pelvis. A strong core provides stability for the entire body, helping to prevent injury and improve balance.
Better posture: Strong abs help support the spine and promote good posture. When the abdominal muscles are weak, the lower back can take on too much strain, leading to poor posture and increased risk of injury.
Source: CrossFit IncImproved athletic performance: Many sports and physical activities require strong abdominal muscles. A strong core helps athletes generate power, transfer energy, and maintain balance during dynamic movements.
Reduced risk of back pain: Strong abs can help reduce the risk of lower back pain by providing support for the spine and pelvis.
Improved breathing: The abdominal muscles are involved in breathing, and a strong core can help improve respiratory function.
Strong abs are important for maintaining good health and performance in a wide range of physical activities.
What are the Core Muscles?
The core muscles are the group of muscles that make up the body’s central powerhouse. These muscles include:
- Rectus abdominis: This muscle runs vertically down the front of the abdomen and is commonly referred to as the “six-pack.”
- Transverse abdominis: This muscle is located deep in the abdomen and acts like a corset, providing stability and support to the spine.
- Internal and external obliques: These muscles run diagonally across the abdomen and help with twisting and rotational movements.
- Erector spinae: These muscles run along the length of the spine and help support the back.
- Multifidus: These small muscles are located deep in the back and help support the spine.
- Pelvic floor muscles: These muscles form the floor of the pelvis and play a role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and core stability.
- Diaphragm: This dome-shaped muscle sits at the base of the ribcage and helps with breathing and core stabilization.
Together, these muscles work to provide stability and support to the spine and pelvis, and help to transfer force and energy between the upper and lower body during physical activity.
Max Posternak is a fitness influencer and personal trainer who is best known for his YouTube channel, Gravity Transformation. He started the channel in 2015 and has since amassed a large following of subscribers.
Video – 10 Best Home Abs Exercises
What are Isometric Exercises?
Isometric exercises are a type of strength-training exercise that involves contracting a muscle without changing its length or joint angle. Instead of moving through a range of motion, isometric exercises involve holding a static position for a period of time.
During an isometric exercise, the muscle contracts against an immovable object or against itself, creating tension in the muscle fibers. This tension causes the muscle to work hard and become stronger over time.
Examples of isometric exercises include:
Plank: holding a straight-arm plank position with the body in a straight line from head to heels, and the abs and glutes engaged.
Wall sit: holding a seated position with the back against a wall, knees bent at a 90-degree angle, and thighs parallel to the ground.
Push-up hold: holding the bottom position of a push-up, with the arms bent and the body hovering just above the ground.
Bridge: holding a bridge position with the body in a straight line from shoulders to knees, and the glutes and abs engaged.
Isometric exercises can be a useful addition to a workout routine, as they can improve muscular strength and endurance, increase joint stability, and help prevent injury. They are also low-impact and can be done with little to no equipment, making them accessible for people of all fitness levels.
What is the Reverse Crunch?
The reverse crunch is a core exercise that targets the lower abs. It is a variation of the traditional crunch exercise, but instead of lifting the shoulders off the ground, the hips are lifted and the legs are brought in towards the chest.
To perform a reverse crunch, follow these steps:
- Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and your arms at your sides.
- Engage your abs and lift your legs off the ground, bending your knees and bringing them towards your chest.
- As you lift your hips off the ground, exhale and squeeze your lower abs.
- Slowly lower your hips back down to the starting position as you inhale.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
To make the reverse crunch more challenging, you can straighten your legs and lift them towards the ceiling, or hold a weight between your feet. You can also add a twist by bringing your knees to one side of your body and then the other.
The reverse crunch is a great exercise for targeting the lower abs, which can be difficult to work with traditional crunches. It can help strengthen the core, improve posture, and reduce the risk of lower back pain.
What is the V Up Exercise?
The V Up exercise is a challenging core exercise that targets the abs and hip flexors. It is named after the “V” shape that is formed by the body during the movement.
To perform a V Up, follow these steps:
- Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and your arms extended overhead.
- Engage your abs and lift your legs and upper body off the ground at the same time, reaching your hands towards your toes.
- Pause at the top of the movement, squeezing your abs.
- Lower your legs and upper body back down to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
To make the V Up more challenging, you can hold a weight between your hands, or add a twist by reaching your hands to one side of your body and then the other.
The V Up is a challenging exercise that requires strength and flexibility in the abs and hip flexors. It can help improve core strength, stability, and overall fitness.
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Image Sources
- resistance band ab exercises: CrossFit Inc