Better Workouts 6: Abs
- More efficient training
- How to get better results
Gym workouts can be boring and that’s when it becomes completely counterproductive. On the other hand, knowing what to do and how to tinker with your routine will get you great results.
In this edition: Abs Workouts
Proportionate to muscles, abdominal exercises are over subscribed. From my days in teaching classes, Abs classes were always the most popular.
Don’t get me wrong, they are essential for stability and posture but if your sole focus is the abs then you’re neglecting an easy opportunity to improve your body composition and wellbeing.
For a start, when I coached abs classes, my focus would be split between back, legs and the torso rather than just one dimensional exercises. Too frequently, the focus is on the anterior rather than the posterior. Neglect in this regard can lead to slumping and postural issues.
It’s about balance and opening your mind to other exercises. Think of it like buying a library and reading the same book over and over again.
I love variety in my workouts and to be honest, I won’t train abs for more than 30 minutes a week. This is due to my routine being varied and focusing on free weights so I’m able to work the core without necessarily just training the one area.
It is possible to become stronger and fitter without slogging through the same classes.
It is factual that classes like spinning are better for shaping the core region than abs classes. This is due to lowering the bodyfat percentage and lowering visceral fat. See also the RYPT blog on classes (searchable at www.RYPT.info).
If you are looking to remove the abdominal excess weight then moderate cardiovascular exercise (in any form) will do wonders. Realistically, you won’t be able to have visible abs without a bodyfat percentage of under 20% so plan your fitness journey.
Sure the in built abdominal exercises into your plan will assist but remember where the primary focus should lie.
In fact, if you work at a desk or spend most of the day sitting, then back and postural exercises should rank highly on the list. Corrective exercise is an essential part of general wellness. Imagine having a slouching posture then going to the gym and exacerbating it by doing anterior exercises. Yet, it’s what most people do.
Your gym / class routine should include chest, shoulders, back, arms, abs, legs and factor in movement on a variety of planes. Pulling exercises are the most effective for strengthening the posterior chain so these should be included in your plan.
So there is than meets the eye for mindlessly picking classes and following the crowd. By all means, I would suggest doing an abs class if your uncomfortable with the gym and getting acquainted with the setup (which is what I used to recommend them for). They are low intensity, won’t burn as many calories and can definitely be managed by all fitness levels (so ideal for absolute beginners).
Something to contemplate for the January rush when all these classes become popular!
If you want more guidance / support on your workouts or training plan then get in contact with me for your trial of the RYPT app where you’ll be fully taken through a comprehensive beginner to intermediate training plan whereby you’ll be able comfortable training alone at the end of it.
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Ross Yeoman
RYPT Owner
