Abdominal Training Myths Exposed!

Ask friends or personal trainers what they consider to be reliable information for toning your abs. Chances are you'll have people giving you several contrasting opinions. Trying to get some helpful workout information can sometimes seem like trying to find a needle in a haystack. That is why we've written this feature. We realize that there is a lot of misinformation out there about working out in general, and specifically about abdominal training. It can seem at times that everyone is offering solutions, but how much of this information can actually help?

We've outlined some of the more common myths that you may have heard during your quest to get a toned midsection, and we aim to set the record straight on what works and what you shouldn't waste your time on. Apply this information to your overall diet and exercise routine and plan workouts that will help you get the best results possible from the time and effort you invest.

We've narrowed the long list of things that can prevent you from getting better abs to just five commonly heard myths. Keep in mind that some of these factors apply not only to getting a better midsection, but also to getting a tighter, more muscular-looking body overall. Combine this information along with your diet and exercise plan – add Thermogenic Hydroxycut^™ Advanced for an energizing boost – and you’ll soon be rewarded for choosing to look great.

• Myth #1 - Abdominal fat can be reduced by just doing stomach exercises.
  1. There is no such thing as spot reduction. This means that reducing fat from a certain targeted area just isn’t possible using exercise alone. It may seem that you lose fat more quickly in some areas than others, but this is your body’s natural inclination, so using specific exercises to lose fat from one spot on your body is an exercise in futility.
• Myth #2 - Abdominal machines are the best way to tone your stomach.
  1. While some machines can be effective at helping you flatten your stomach, using only machines will probably not get you the best results. Incorporating a variety of exercises is the best way to get the body you want, whether you are targeting your stomach or any other area of your body. Variety is the key, and if you're using only machines, you run the risk of limiting your results.
• Myth #3 - Sit-ups are better than crunches.
  1. While sit-ups (raising your upper body completely off the ground) may be effective, crunches (raising only your neck, shoulders and the upper part of your back off the ground) can still isolate and work out your core, without all the movement and strain on your neck, and with less risk of cheating. Individuals who perform full sit-ups generally must anchor their legs under something to give themselves leverage. Anchoring your feet incorporates your hips and thighs into the movement. So do crunches instead; they can better isolate your abdominal muscles and you'll have less risk of cheating or causing injury.
• Myth #4 - You should only work your abdominals a couple times per week.
  1. It is important to note that you should not overwork any muscle of the body but you should also remember that the abdominals can be worked on a consistent basis. Though everyone is different, you should be able to work your abdominals with basic exercises four or five times per week without overworking the muscles. The abdominals are involved on a daily basis with simple things, such as helping with your posture or helping you get out of a chair. So, working them consistently not only will help you look great but will also help you in countless daily activities.
• Myth #5 - Stick to basic movements to get results from your abdominal routine.
  1. While a few select movements are staples in many people's exercise routines because they are generally considered effective, you should not limit yourself to just basic exercises. Choose a variety of exercises that are challenging to you and switch them up every four to six weeks. Remember, the amount of time and effort you put into your overall plan will ultimately determine the appearance of your midsection (and the rest of your body).

Now that we've dispelled some of the myths associated with abdominal training, you can add this information to your overall plan to help you work toward getting the best body – and the most toned midsection – that you've ever had!