Nice Abs

      The abdominal and lower back muscles are known as the core of your body.  Having a strong core means being able to stabilize the spine and effectively move the body with various amounts of weight.  The abdominals and lower back work hand in hand; when you work one, you’re working the other in some capacity.  You might have noticed people who have “beer” bellies will usually have lower back problems.  This is a result of too much weight in the front and throws you core off balance; as a result, it puts tremendous strain on the lower back.  So, when you strengthen your abs and lose the “gut”, you will relieve some of the lower back problems; plus, you will look better and have better posture, because you’re stabilizing the center of your body.  That’s sounds great!  How do you go about achieving this plan?

       Despite what you may have heard or seen over the years, you don’t have to do a thousand sit ups to attain that “washboard” stomach we all admire and strive for; although, there are many companies and fitness gurus, who endorse abs machines and products, that will have you believe you can “rock your way to better abs”.  The truth is abs can be worked out 3 times per week, preferably before or after a cardio routine on your off day from resistance training.  It is a good idea to perform 3-4 abs exercises for 2-3 sets for 15-25 reps each set.  Performing this routine will only strengthen your abs, diet and cardio is what is going to show them off!

     Proper form is important when doing abs (as w/ all exercises for that matter), focus on crunching your abs and not using momentum to complete the exercise, for this will put tremendous strain on your lower back (as previously mentioned). 

     Keep at it and remember, the balance of proper diet and exercise is what is going to help you achieve your fitness goals; along with hiring a trainer (wink, wink).

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