No More Crunches Needed

How do I get six-pack abs? How do I make my core strong to make my body stronger? How do I make my core stronger to help with my lower back pain? These are all very popular questions that are asked on a daily basis. The muscles located within the “core” are vitally important for the aforementioned aspects of training – there is no question about that. However, there is a serious question about how to train those “core” muscles. In fact, the movements that you are performing on a daily basis in order to get a six-pack, could be the very movements that cause you to break down with injury.

An extremely popular piece of equipment out there is the Swiss Ball. Similarly, an extremely popular exercise that individuals perform on the Swiss Ball is the Swiss Ball Crunch. A great six-pack sculpting exercise right? Not so fast. Consider replacing this type of active-flexion exercise with one where you are resisting flexion, extension, and rotation. Exercises like the Plank or Side Plank are two great choices! Simply put, you are fighting to stay in a neutral position while doing the movement. Choosing exercises like this will not only develop those six-pack abs, they will also reinforce that core, increasing stability, and keep you healthy.