So you want to get ripped abs? What’s the first thing that comes to your mind on how to get them? If you’re like most people out there, you think the way to Exercise Lose Weight and get great abs is by doing millions of crunches and sit-ups right? NOT TRUE. Research has shown and physical fitness professionals have known this for years, sit-ups and crunches are NOT the most effective and efficient way to gain abdominal strength and get rid of belly fat.
Like most myths, the information started off with some truth. From an early age, your gym teachers probably instilled this information into your subconscious. I remember having been timed on how many sit-ups I was able to do within a minute or 3. These teachings were based on the military trainings. Therefore, you associated getting in shape with doing sit-ups and crunches. Of course, this doesn’t mean that these exercises don’t work. They do and can work, but are most helpful to those people who are already in great condition.
But if you have some belly fat and you are not in shape, these exercises will not provide the most impact to your core. So what is the new set of Exercise to Lose Weight?
If you’ve taken any Pilates, a form of exercise that focuses on core strength building, or Yoga, then you’ve done Planks. Yes, planks allow you to work your core abdominals and they are the most effective Exercise to Lose Weight for those starting out. Pilates instructors use planks to build both abdominal and arm muscles.
Yoga is a form of exercise that uses the plank to go into a common position called downward dog. Downward dog and the plank position are used numerously within a session to move from one pose to another. If you’ve done any yoga exercises, downward dog is a resting pose position. The plank is part of the downward dog position, moving you and strengthening your core as you move. It not only works on your abdominals, but if you’ve noticed yoga enthusiasts, they also have great toned arms. The plank position will also help with that as well.
The newest book by Alwyn Cosgrove “The New Rules of Lifting for Abs” talks about how plank exercises are the best entry-level Exercise to Lose Weight programs. He discusses several variations including side planks. So if you are not currently in great shape and want to get started, doing plank exercises are an excellent addition to any Exercise Lose Weight program. Start off doing them slowly and with fewer repetitions. As your core strengthens, add more reps. It’s also important to remember to pause and hold the position, that’s key to doing them correctly and creating resistance.
Once you start gaining strength in your abdominals the next set of exercises that are amazing for your core are the Squats. These will work not just your core but your leg muscles as well. You can learn more about the types of squats, how to do them correctly and why they are such great exercises for your abs at Exercise Lose Weight. I have an entire article on them.
So stop doing those silly sit-ups and crunches. Leverage your energy level, time and strength – start working out with planks, side planks and squats. You’ll see results quickly as you Exercise and Lose Weight. Additional information can be found at Exercise to Lose Weight
Grab your free book to Exercise to Lose Weight and get meaner, leaner 6 pack abs.