Cleared The Misconception About The Abdomen

People all the time at the gym will do crunch after crunch expecting to get some lean flat abs. This is not the way to do it.

Crunches are going to build muscle because they are a contraction routine. If you want to tighten and tone the abdomen you have to go about it in a completely different way.

Use when scientists were playing with cadavers muscles they found that the abdomen was responsible for bending the spine in toward the knees through abdominal contraction or, more commonly known, as crunches. So after discovering that, they determined that crunches were the most effective way to build strong abs.

This is where the fallacious workouts routines come from. What these scientists failed to realize is that the main purpose of the abdomen is not to bend the spine but to stabilize the spine.

So, knowing this, changes everything about abdominal workouts. Instead of doing crunches you will want to do exercises like planking and balancing routines.

These are going to activate the abdomen and core muscles to their full potential. What happens when the abdomen is used correctly is, instead of building muscle outward, you actually tone and tighten the body by bringing it inward.

This means flatter stomachs and stronger more visible abs. No more ninja turtle bellies, they just are not that attractive.

Even though you may be able to crunch with a fifty pound weight in your hand, you still can't balance on one foot. Working your core muscles is going to improve practical uses of the abdomen.

When on earth are you going to need to crunch with weights on your chest? Plus why would you do that if it is only going to give you a belly that protrudes past your pectorals?

Now it may sound a bit feminine, but guys doing things like yoga and Pilates is going to do a lot more for your abdomen than those crunches are. But if for some reason you simply will not be seen in a yoga room, then you can do the exercises at home.

The best and most effective is the plank. This is done by getting in pushup position, but then placing your elbows on the ground rather than your hands.

Keep your back as straight as you can. Remember that your abdomen is going to work to stabilize it, so keeping it straight is the goal here.

Hold this for as long as necessary, usually within twenty seconds you will be dead (metaphorically speaking of course). If you want to make it harder, try lifting each leg several times during the routine.

Within just weeks you will notice an astounding difference in your physique and abdominal performance. Remember quit the crunches and start exercising right.

Destry Masterson is a health, fitness and nutrition expert. She has written articles about exercise and recommends http://www.proform.com for information about exercise equipment. Contact Info: Destry Masterson - MyOnlineArticleWriting@gmail.com - Twitter: @DestryMasterson