Fast Abs Workout - Think Stability, Not Sit Ups
Efficient food production in the world’s top economies has caused a glut of quick, irresistible food that’s more often than not cheap and loaded with calories. Fast food tends to be unbalanced and is deficient in fiber and other nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. It’s not surprising then that a high percentage of the populations in the Western countries are living on an unhealthy diet and suffering from obesity.
The only thing that can counter the nutritional quagmire that we’re in is constant exercise. Sadly, a lot of people find it a challenge to stick to a regular exercise program and thus are suffering from all sorts of health problems from diabetes to high blood pressure and heart disease.
Most folks start workout programs but eventually stop after a few months. Slow results and boredom are the major hindrances to consistent exercise. The solution is a workout program that brings results that can be seen quickly.
A majority of gym goers or fitness aficionados start workout programs to lose body fat and get flat six pack abs. When results come too slow, this results in boredom and because they become disheartened, a lot of people give up exercising regularly.
To speed-up the effects of working-out and see something come out of your fat-loss efforts in a shorter amount of time, modified exercises that isolate the core muscles should be done. A program that develops core strength together with body-fat busting cardio exercises is the key to fast abs and a lean physique.
The muscles around or midsection make up our core. These include the muscles in the lumbar area as well as those on the side of our waists and of course, the upper and lower abdomen. Most people make the mistake of doing conventional ab isolation exercises thinking it’s enough. Neglecting the other core muscles, especially those in the lumbar region can actually lead to back pain.
Using a an exercise ball or similar unstable support for the body while doing ab exercises and hyperextensions will employ the use of the lower back and the muscles of the obliques also. Developing these as well as the abdominal muscles will insure complete core strength and a better balance and endurance.
The amount of calories burned while doing abdominal exercises on an exercise ball or other round surface is increased significantly compared to doing sit-ups and crunches flat on one’s back. Studies show that more muscle fibers are engaged in activity when a person is lying on a round surface. The wider range of motion means more calories spent and hence a faster abs workout.