You probably are asking yourself the “what are the biggest abdominal exercise myths?” question due to the fact that there is a huge volume of information available. If you haven’t heard the term spot reduction, let’s get acquainted with it so that you can see why it’s probably the biggest myth that will you encounter. Spot reduction is the claim made by many in t
Myths about ab workouts
he health and fitness industry trying to convince you that you can target just a certain part of your body, in this case your abs, and lose body fat associated with that spot exclusively. Simply put, the claim is false.
What you have to understand is how the body actually burns away the excess fat around our stomach area. Without getting too scientific, the fat cells that most of us have around our middle are different from the fat cells in the rest of our bodies. These fat cells are genetically designed to store fat, a source of energy, in case of famine. So in order to lose that fat, you have to make the body burn its other fat reserves first. You will accomplish this through an overall exercise program that includes abdominal exercises.
Now let’s take a look at some of the other myths that have been perpetuated about abdominal exercises. You have probably been told that it is detrimental for you to eat before you start your workout routine. Once again, ignore this advice and here’s why. Your body is going to need fuel to function. This is not to say you need to eat a full course meal a few minutes before getting started. Far from it! The best advice here is to eat a small portion of protein-rich food and one or two pieces of fruit about an hour before you begin to exercise.
Ready for more myths? Let’s take a look at the myth that doing just stomach crunches will get you the results you desire. Once again, far from it! Although this time tested exercise should be part of an overall ab workout, you also need abdominal exercises that target all of the major stomach muscle groups. In addition
Everyone has to start somewhere!
to this myth, another common misconception is the idea that high repetitions of crunches and sit-ups will achieve faster results for you. Do yourself a huge favor and don’t fall into this trap. Instead, focus on doing lower, more intense repetitions of each exercise. Always remember: focus on quality instead of quantity.
This next myth may draw some arguments from many health and fitness experts, but so be it. You may have been told that you need to do your abdominal exercises every single day. The truth is that you don’t and here’s why. A muscle needs a certain amount of recovery time after being vigorously exercised.
Your stomach muscles are no different. Let these muscles recover and grow between your ab workouts. Try moving your ab training to every other day in order to achieve the results that you are after.
One of the last myths we’ll be discussing deals with using weights in conjunction with your abdominal exercises. If you are using weights to strengthen and increase muscle mass in your arms, chest and other muscle groups, don’t you think it would also benefit your abs? Of course it will. But don’t go overboard by choosing weights you are not prepared for: never forget that safety comes first.
Now you have some solid information regarding some of the biggest myths that surround abdominal exercises, but one last thing needs to be said here. Along with your exercises, you need to put a solid plan to help rid yourself of body fat in place. Without addressing this issue first and foremost, you’ll never see any visible results and that’s what you’re really after, isn’t it?
