Ever since I became a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer in February 2006, I have been learning. I've learned a lot more since becoming certified than I did in the certification process. One thing I notice though as I read and research is that there are a lot of contradicting thoughts out there in the area of health and fitness.
I tend to trust my certification above all other websites, articles, etc. But now I've found one from Bob Harper, the Biggest Loser trainer. A few months ago I was shocked to discover that both him and Jillian have no more credentials than I do. I guess I assumed that because they were on TV, they were all knowing. Well, maybe not.
Here's a contradicting thought that I heard/read today:
Bob says: "There are three major areas that we want to hit while working on our abdominals. Upper abs, lower abs, and obliques."
Cedric X. Bryant, ACE's Chief Science Officer says: "In other words, individuals cannot trigger a contraction in one specific area of the abdominal muscles (either the upper or lower abs). Despite the common misconception among many fitness professionals and exercise enthusiasts, EMG data suggest that the upper and lower rectus abdominis act as a continuous sheath (i.e., one large muscle group)."
You'll have to listen to Bob and read the whole article to get the entire picture, but I'm going to trust ACE on this one. I love to learn new things!
Also, Bob says to train your abdominals only 3x per week to get the tear/repair effect. All the other trainers in my gym say you can train your abdominals every day. Hmmm....I think I'll trust Bob on that one.
I don't really think the first contradiction will change the way I train, just the way I educate. But the second one probably will.
Regardless, don't forget to work those abs! They are the CORE of all we do!
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2 comments:
I understand that they work together as one, but then why is it that different exercises are felt more in the areas of the abdomen that you are "targeting"?
Great question! If you continue to read the article, Cedric explains that certain abdominal exercises also use another muscle group for hip flexion, the iliopsoas, which originates deep below the lower portion of the rectus abdominis. It's those muscles that you feel fatiqued even though your abdominals are also working hard.
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