Tag Archives: abs

Don’t Overlook Obliques to Reduce Love Handles

People often focus on crunches and sit-ups and forget about the obliques. Crunches and sit-ups work the rectus abdominis while not really isolating the oblique muscles. The obliques consist of the internal and external obliques and are often referred to as “love handles.” Rotation and lateral flexion of the spine are the main “jobs” or movements of the internal and external obliques. The tranversus abdominis is similar to the obliques, but it is mainly used for posture, balance, and stability.

Twisting and turning the spine is a very sensitive subject, so be very careful while performing these movements. Try not to use too much weight or over rotate because this compromises the spine and could lead to future problems.

Below are a few of the top obliques exercises, and I recommend performing two or three sets of 20 to 30 repetitions. (more…)

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Matt

The Truth About Abs

Many people often believe that doing crunches and sit-ups will help get that six pack that they have always wanted. Well, by performing crunches and sit-ups you will definitely work the ab muscles and get that so called “tone”, but you will probably not get the result that you want without proper diet and cardio work-out. If you want abs, you have no other option but to watch your diet and do your cardio. By performing crunches and sit-ups, you are working the muscle under the fat and you need to burn the fat in order for that six pack to “pop out.”

Muscle tissue and fat tissue are two different types of tissue and you need to burn the fat tissue before you can see that six pack. Doing crunches alone will never get the results that you are looking for. You would have to perform millions of crunches to get the results that proper diet and cardio can achieve.

I have put together a few exercise tips that may help you achieve your desired goal: (more…)

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Matt

Don’t Overlook the Importance of Lower Abs

The abdominals are a very important topic when it comes to working out and a weak stomach is often overlooked. I strongly feel that the abdominals should be worked almost every day and can handle the repetitive work-load.

abdominals

The lower abs, however, seem to often get the shaft when working the abs. Although the rectus abdominous is one muscle, it is often referred to as having two parts: upper and lower abs. So, most exercises mainly focus on the upper abdominus and the lower part gets overlooked. This could be due to a few reasons, such as lower back pain or just not enough core strength to incorporate/engage the lower abs.

Low back pain is often due to a weak core and tight hamstrings. I have put together a few exercises that target the lower abs. I recommend doing two sets of 15-20 repetitions.

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Matt

Top 8 Oblique Exercises

The Oblique or External Abdominal Oblique Muscle is used for torso rotation. There are three main muscles that help with torso rotation: Internal/External Obliques and the Transverse Abdominis. Be very careful and use precise movements while working the obliques. Using too much weight and over-rotating can compromise the back, cause injuries and future back problems. I have put together a series of eight exercises that target the oblique region. I recommend doing two or three sets of twenty repetitions at light to medium weight. (more…)

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Matt

Great Abs with One Yoga Move

Maybe your New Year’s resolution is to strengthen your inner core so that it looks like Tracy Anderson or Michael Phelps. Or perhaps that was last year’s resolution. Regardless if getting a svelte middle is on your 2024 list, developing strong abdominals not only looks great but studies show that it improves posture and reduces lower back pain. A well-maintained core improves the stability of your torso which prevents your back from common aches and strains that come from moving too quickly or shoveling snow without the proper alignment.

Rather than spend oodles of your precious gym minutes working on your core, here is one yoga move that will strengthen your abs and give your arms and legs a workout, too! (more…)

Posted on January 4, 2024 by heather