Abdominal Training: Is it ok to Train Abs Every Day?
There are two schools of thought when it comes to abdominal training. Some believe that it is ok to train the abdominal muscles (abs) daily, especially if the workout is light, while others recommend training them every other day. I recommend training the abs thoroughly and intensely but allow a 24-hour recovery period between training days. Like all muscles, the abs need time to rebuild after a workout too.
In order to train your abs thoroughly, perform exercises that target the entire muscle group. So, if you’re that guy or gal who’s doing copious amounts of old-fashioned crunches only, there is a way to work your abs more effectively and thoroughly to yield better results.
Traditional crunches mostly target the rectus abdominis (RA); the group responsible for giving your abs the washboard appearance of a 6-pack or possibly an 8-pack if you are genetically inclined to develop such. Primarily, the RA allows you to flex the trunk. But your abs consist of the transverse abdominis (TVA) and the internal and external obliques (O’s), not just the RA.
The TVA is deep within your core and acts like an internal belt or girdle system. Training the TVA is extremely important in that it protects and aids in the stabilization of your spine. The O’s allow you to rotate the trunk and bend to the side, as well as flex the trunk to a lesser extent.
Your core consists of the abdominal muscles as well as the muscles of your torso and back. A strong and functional core is necessary for proper movement to occur. Therefore, your exercise program should include exercises that target the entire core and not just the ab group.
Let’s keep it real: No amount of ab or core work will give you a shapely midsection if you are not burning abdominal fat, or if your nutrition is poor. Eat well, rest well and train smart (thoroughly and intensely)!
Stay tuned for more posts on specific ab exercises…til then, got cardio?
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