This post is going to piss people off, that is not my intention, but I have to speak the truth!
I remember the days when I used to workout and work at a gym exclusively. I used to think it was absolutely necessary to be in a gym to get results- that a good workout required you to be in a health club or weight room of some sort. Today I find myself at the best point of my life, from both a business and fitness standpoint, and I haven’t stepped a foot in a typical gym for almost 2 years now. After some thought, I put on paper what I feel to be the top 10 reasons NOT to go to the gym:
1)Unused Memberships: Almost 85% of Gym Memberships go UNUSED! Most people end up paying for a year, and don't even go. What a waste of money $$$$$$!
2)The Sheep Mentality: Everybody is doing the same thing. Most men and women are just sheep- slaves to all of the misinformation provided in the form of sensational fitness magazines, infomercials and awful, uneducated meat head trainers. People just go to the gym and do whatever everybody else is doing.
3)Needless Waiting Time for Equipment or Space: I remember when I used to workout at a gym that I would spend about an average of at least 15-20 minutes per workout waiting on a piece of equipment or a certain space of the gym to complete my daily routine.
4)Sickness and Disease: Beyond catching the common cold, there are some other real serious things that have been spreading at gyms like wildfire like the recent merca staph infection epidemic. Most GYMs are filthy! PERIOD.
5)Annoying People: For most people going to the gym isn’t about getting results, it’s about socializing. Many GYMS are used as a singles pick up joint, guys oogling you while you try to work out or vice versa.
6)Expensive Memberships: Paying money for a place to workout. Isn’t your current rent or mortgage enough of a monthly overhead! Many GYMs have outdated useless equipement! Are you paying $10-$50 bucks a month to rent a tread mill or eliptical?
7)Useless Equipment: Machines suck- I haven’t used a machine in years. They don’t allow your body to train that way it was designed to move and function and they cause many overuse injuries. If you want to be lean, tight, and muscular, all you need is your body weight, some bands, and a few free weight options like dumbbells or kettlebells to get the job done at home or on the road.
8)Lack of Open Training Space: Idiot club owners focus on all the frills with substance by filling the training floor up with overpriced, oversized machines that take up all of the prime real estate. All you need is space- space to move freely and explore your own body’s capabilities. At Next Level we teach you how to move your body, not MACHINES!
9)Crippling Dependence: I mentioned this earliest- gyms force you to create a dependence on them. So, show yourself that you can get results without the gym. I promise you that the best workouts of your life are waiting for you at Next Level or in new places like a park, beach, hotel room, etc. Step outside of the box!
10)Bad Trainers: When you go to the typical gym for personal training, you enter a factory. They are trying to get you in and out. They don’t care if your reach your goals nor do they have the desire to build lasting relationships with you. They just need to hit their quota- you are just another number for them. The majority of GYM Trainers are uneducated= no college degree. Just because someone is a body builder does not make them a fitness expert! These are usually the guys that are steroid free NOW. Meaning they got so big by cheating!!!!! i.e. taking roids!
All trainer should have an exercise science/health science background! For more information on what to ask before hiring a personal trainer call 790-5851 or go to www.nxtleveltraining.com and sign up for that free report!
Steve Krebs is a local Utica fitness boot camp instructor and real world fat loss expert. To book him/her to speak at your local company, club, or organization please contact him/her by email at stevenrkrebs@hotmail.com or by phone at 315-790-5851. For a free one-week trial to his beach body boot camp to experience the best personal training Utica please visit www.nextlevelbeachbodybootcamp.com
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Workout like a President Today!
This President’s Day clearly signifies a special moment in history. Regardless of your political views, the recent election of President Barack Obama has brought great change and hope in many. Though we’ll have to let President Obama’s accomplishments in office dictate what type of change it will be, it is very clear that this is a man who was born to lead. Obama has an undeniable aura about him, a certain calming confidence that is truly contagious. These are traits he will surely need in the face of a continually dwindling economy and the many other challenges facing our country and our world.
Seriously, how can someone handle the stress of being the leader of the free world? I can’t even begin to grasp the scope of something like that, can you?
One thing that has always struck me about Obama is his relentless daily workout routine. He plays a ton of basketball and puts in his 45-60 minute workout day in and day out. He claims it sets the tone for his entire day- that it gives him the energy he needs to grapple with the world’s problems.
Set the tone of your day everyday with a workout, and a positive outlook. My physical fitness sets the tone for everything I tackle in business on a daily basis. I train hard and I never miss a workout. I bring this same intensity and persistence to my business. And I can honestly say that my ability to mentally and physically stick to my routine has prepared me for any and all challenges that I may face. Everything just seems “easier” in comparison to a killer total body workout. I truly mean that.
Now, I am just going to assume that there are going to be some days when President Obama might not have time to get in his typical 45-60 minute workout. After all, since the first 100 days seem to set the tone of each presidency, Obama is going to have a pretty full plate these days!
So, I am going to lend my expertise in this regard to cut Obama’s workout routine by more than half to keep him on track in case any last minute issues may arise. I personally guarantee this will not only help him maintain, if not increase, his current strength and conditioning level.
And I am going to go ahead and further simplify the process for Obama by designing body weight based workouts involve nothing more than resistance bands and dumbbells that can be done in the comfort of the oval office.
Furthermore, every workout will start “outside in” by first recognizing how much time President Obama has to workout each day and then matching the appropriate workout for that time frame.
The President’s Day Workout- Obama Style
Perform all strength workouts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Perform all cardio workouts on Tuesdays, Thursday, and Saturdays
Play some hoops anytime you can get
If Obama has five minutes to workout:
Strength Workout- Continuous Work: Perform max rounds of 10 reps of an upper body exercise (push-ups, rows, pull-ups, dips, etc.) and 20 reps of a lower body exercise (squats, deadlifts, hip extensions, lunges, etc.) for time.
Cardio Workout- Tabata Intervals: Select one body weight cardio exercise (stationary running, jumping jacks, squat thrusts, alternating split jumps, ice skater jumps, etc.) OR one total body exercise (squat to presses, deadlift + curls, lunge + curl to press, swings, etc.) and perform 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off for four straight minutes, followed by a one-minute rest.
If Obama has 10 minutes to workout:
Strength Workout- Continuous Work: Perform max rounds of 10 reps of an upper body exercise (push-ups, rows, pull-ups, dips, etc.) and 20 reps of a lower body exercise (squats, deadlifts, hip extensions, lunges, etc.) for time.
Cardio Workout- Tabata Intervals: Select one body weight cardio exercise (stationary running, jumping jacks, squat thrusts, alternating split jumps, ice skater jumps, etc.) OR one total body exercise (squat to presses, deadlift + curls, lunge + curl to press, swings, etc.) and perform 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off for four straight minutes, followed by a one-minute rest. Repeat this five-minute sequence one more time with the same exercise or with the exercise(s) of your choice.
If Obama has 20 minutes to workout:
Strength Workout- Continuous Work: Perform two different 10-minute work zones. For work zone one, perform max rounds of 10 reps of an upper body pushing exercise (push-ups, dips, presses, etc.) and 20 reps of a double-leg lower body exercise (squats, deadlifts, hip extensions, etc.) for time. For work zone two, perform max rounds of 10 reps of an upper body pulling exercise (pull-ups, rows, curls, etc.) and 10 reps/leg of a single-leg lower body exercise (lunges, step-ups, single-leg hip extensions, etc.) for time.
Cardio Workout- Tabata Intervals: Select one body weight cardio exercise (stationary running, jumping jacks, squat thrusts, alternating split jumps, ice skater jumps, etc.) OR one total body exercise (squat to presses, deadlift + curls, lunge + curl to press, swings, etc.) and perform 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off for four straight minutes, followed by a one-minute rest. Repeat this five-minute sequence three more times with the same exercise or with the exercise(s) of your choice.
I’m sure the President will appreciate this killer fitness plan that works with, not against, his schedule as a courageous world leader. And if Obama can fit in his own personal workouts, you best believe there are no excuses for you not to do the same.
Seriously, how can someone handle the stress of being the leader of the free world? I can’t even begin to grasp the scope of something like that, can you?
One thing that has always struck me about Obama is his relentless daily workout routine. He plays a ton of basketball and puts in his 45-60 minute workout day in and day out. He claims it sets the tone for his entire day- that it gives him the energy he needs to grapple with the world’s problems.
Set the tone of your day everyday with a workout, and a positive outlook. My physical fitness sets the tone for everything I tackle in business on a daily basis. I train hard and I never miss a workout. I bring this same intensity and persistence to my business. And I can honestly say that my ability to mentally and physically stick to my routine has prepared me for any and all challenges that I may face. Everything just seems “easier” in comparison to a killer total body workout. I truly mean that.
Now, I am just going to assume that there are going to be some days when President Obama might not have time to get in his typical 45-60 minute workout. After all, since the first 100 days seem to set the tone of each presidency, Obama is going to have a pretty full plate these days!
So, I am going to lend my expertise in this regard to cut Obama’s workout routine by more than half to keep him on track in case any last minute issues may arise. I personally guarantee this will not only help him maintain, if not increase, his current strength and conditioning level.
And I am going to go ahead and further simplify the process for Obama by designing body weight based workouts involve nothing more than resistance bands and dumbbells that can be done in the comfort of the oval office.
Furthermore, every workout will start “outside in” by first recognizing how much time President Obama has to workout each day and then matching the appropriate workout for that time frame.
The President’s Day Workout- Obama Style
Perform all strength workouts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Perform all cardio workouts on Tuesdays, Thursday, and Saturdays
Play some hoops anytime you can get
If Obama has five minutes to workout:
Strength Workout- Continuous Work: Perform max rounds of 10 reps of an upper body exercise (push-ups, rows, pull-ups, dips, etc.) and 20 reps of a lower body exercise (squats, deadlifts, hip extensions, lunges, etc.) for time.
Cardio Workout- Tabata Intervals: Select one body weight cardio exercise (stationary running, jumping jacks, squat thrusts, alternating split jumps, ice skater jumps, etc.) OR one total body exercise (squat to presses, deadlift + curls, lunge + curl to press, swings, etc.) and perform 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off for four straight minutes, followed by a one-minute rest.
If Obama has 10 minutes to workout:
Strength Workout- Continuous Work: Perform max rounds of 10 reps of an upper body exercise (push-ups, rows, pull-ups, dips, etc.) and 20 reps of a lower body exercise (squats, deadlifts, hip extensions, lunges, etc.) for time.
Cardio Workout- Tabata Intervals: Select one body weight cardio exercise (stationary running, jumping jacks, squat thrusts, alternating split jumps, ice skater jumps, etc.) OR one total body exercise (squat to presses, deadlift + curls, lunge + curl to press, swings, etc.) and perform 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off for four straight minutes, followed by a one-minute rest. Repeat this five-minute sequence one more time with the same exercise or with the exercise(s) of your choice.
If Obama has 20 minutes to workout:
Strength Workout- Continuous Work: Perform two different 10-minute work zones. For work zone one, perform max rounds of 10 reps of an upper body pushing exercise (push-ups, dips, presses, etc.) and 20 reps of a double-leg lower body exercise (squats, deadlifts, hip extensions, etc.) for time. For work zone two, perform max rounds of 10 reps of an upper body pulling exercise (pull-ups, rows, curls, etc.) and 10 reps/leg of a single-leg lower body exercise (lunges, step-ups, single-leg hip extensions, etc.) for time.
Cardio Workout- Tabata Intervals: Select one body weight cardio exercise (stationary running, jumping jacks, squat thrusts, alternating split jumps, ice skater jumps, etc.) OR one total body exercise (squat to presses, deadlift + curls, lunge + curl to press, swings, etc.) and perform 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off for four straight minutes, followed by a one-minute rest. Repeat this five-minute sequence three more times with the same exercise or with the exercise(s) of your choice.
I’m sure the President will appreciate this killer fitness plan that works with, not against, his schedule as a courageous world leader. And if Obama can fit in his own personal workouts, you best believe there are no excuses for you not to do the same.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Valentines Day and Mullets.......
Happy Valentines Day,
This Saturday at 11 A.M. is the Next Level St. Valentines Day Boot Camp Massacre, it's FREE to attend, and it will be alot of FUN and a great Workout!
As for the Mullets..... Click the link below to see what thats all about:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3_-FpBKdtM
Yours In Fitness,
Steve
This Saturday at 11 A.M. is the Next Level St. Valentines Day Boot Camp Massacre, it's FREE to attend, and it will be alot of FUN and a great Workout!
As for the Mullets..... Click the link below to see what thats all about:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3_-FpBKdtM
Yours In Fitness,
Steve
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Valentines Day Massacre Workout at Next Level on V-Day!
For most people Valentine’s Day is an excuse to cuddle up to that special someone, eat chocolates, and make sweet sweet "music". Hey, sounds good to me too, but surely we can be more creative than that!
This Saturday at Next Level its a chance for all my boot campers, personal training clients, and anyone else interested, to bring in their significant other to the Next Level Boot Camp for LUVAHS! Saturday 11 A.M. Its an all partner workout for the national day of LOVE!
Why not mix things up this Valentintes Day with a fun workout you can do in the comfort of your home with your significant other?
Today I am going to introduce you to the concept of partner training. Partner training is essentially a workout that involves performing joint exercises with at least one other person or more.
There are a ton of benefits to partner training, including:
Social Support and Accountability
No Equipment Needed
Provides a Ton of Variety
Breeds Competition and Drives Better Results
It’s FUN!
Partner training is something that I am going to introduce into our Next Level Boot Camps. The inner "hulk" seems to come out of the woodwork whenever people workout with someone else- you are simply pushed to the limit and there is no better way to make your body change and break out of a frustrating training rut.
But, being that it’s the most "important" holiday of the year (yeah, I am being a sarcastic smart ass), let’s make today’s partner training workout a little more intimate if you will. ooooh lah lah!
So grab your honey pie and try this bad boy out!
The Valentine’s Day Workout for Couples- Tabata Style Partner Training
This 20-minute total body partner workout will consist of all body weight-based exercises. For each exercise at each outlined station below you will alternate between 20 s of work and 10 s of rest. You will repeat this 30-second sequence eight times for four total minutes followed by a one-minute rest and transition before moving on to the next station listed:
Station#1- Partner Push-up-Row Combo
Station #2- Partner Resisted Stationary Lunges- Static or Dynamic
Station #3- Partner Resisted Pillar Circuit
Station #4- Partner Resisted Squats- Static or Dynamic
Now go ask someone to be your valentine and take your partner workout to the next level! They say that sweat-driven pheromones are one of nature’s most powerful aphrodisiacs… you tell me ;)
Yours In Fitness,
Steverino
P.S.- Thanks for all the get well wishes!!!!!!
This Saturday at Next Level its a chance for all my boot campers, personal training clients, and anyone else interested, to bring in their significant other to the Next Level Boot Camp for LUVAHS! Saturday 11 A.M. Its an all partner workout for the national day of LOVE!
Why not mix things up this Valentintes Day with a fun workout you can do in the comfort of your home with your significant other?
Today I am going to introduce you to the concept of partner training. Partner training is essentially a workout that involves performing joint exercises with at least one other person or more.
There are a ton of benefits to partner training, including:
Social Support and Accountability
No Equipment Needed
Provides a Ton of Variety
Breeds Competition and Drives Better Results
It’s FUN!
Partner training is something that I am going to introduce into our Next Level Boot Camps. The inner "hulk" seems to come out of the woodwork whenever people workout with someone else- you are simply pushed to the limit and there is no better way to make your body change and break out of a frustrating training rut.
But, being that it’s the most "important" holiday of the year (yeah, I am being a sarcastic smart ass), let’s make today’s partner training workout a little more intimate if you will. ooooh lah lah!
So grab your honey pie and try this bad boy out!
The Valentine’s Day Workout for Couples- Tabata Style Partner Training
This 20-minute total body partner workout will consist of all body weight-based exercises. For each exercise at each outlined station below you will alternate between 20 s of work and 10 s of rest. You will repeat this 30-second sequence eight times for four total minutes followed by a one-minute rest and transition before moving on to the next station listed:
Station#1- Partner Push-up-Row Combo
Station #2- Partner Resisted Stationary Lunges- Static or Dynamic
Station #3- Partner Resisted Pillar Circuit
Station #4- Partner Resisted Squats- Static or Dynamic
Now go ask someone to be your valentine and take your partner workout to the next level! They say that sweat-driven pheromones are one of nature’s most powerful aphrodisiacs… you tell me ;)
Yours In Fitness,
Steverino
P.S.- Thanks for all the get well wishes!!!!!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Get Next Level Beach Body Abs without doing any crunches!
Face it- we all want a flat, beach ready tummy! But for many of us no amount of crunches or sit-ups seems to get the job done. I can’t tell you how many times people have asked me the following question:
“I do tons of core work every day and I still have a flabby midsection. What is the deal?”
Well, before I reveal the Next Level Beach Body abs blueprint, let’s first disprove some very important myths about how to get the elusive six-pack abs:
Myth#1- Weight loss is the key to seeing your abs
WRONG!
The key to getting those flat, beach body abs is FAT LOSS, not weight loss. Let me further explain: your body consists of fat mass and lean body mass (water, muscle, bone, organs, etc.). You want to minimize your fat mass and maximize your lean body mass to build a Beach Body metabolism: one that starves fat and builds muscle like a well oiled machine. By improving body composition you will put yourself in the best position to rock that coveted six-pack.
So if you lose 17 lbs on the scale at the expense of losing some lean muscle mass in the process you will end up slowing your metabolism, decreasing performance, and losing that good looking muscle tone. But if you lose 17 lbs on the scale and you manage to keep or gain lean muscle mass you will increase performance, see more visible definition throughout your body, and lose primarily body fat.
Watching the scale like a crazy person does not help! The Scale can show major fluctuations, caused by things like; hydration levels, sodium intake, and for women the menstrual cycle. I believe YOU should NOT keep a scale at your home- it for the most part is negative reinforcement, particularly for women. What happens when you have been busting your butt in your workouts, you get on that scale and it shows no change. Instant defeat! The problem is your body has changed, but the scale might not show it. Get off the scale and get over the numbers. The true goal is fat loss, not weight loss. Focus on clothing size reduction, digital before and after pictures, and of course the mirror for the most accurate progress tracking.
Myth#2- The more abdominal work you do the more stomach fat you will lose!
BULL POOP!
Spot reduction doesn’t work! It is the biggest fitness myth on the planet, and it is the thing most programs, fitness gadgets, and trainers use to market! You can’t just work the muscles of a certain area of your body and expect to have the fat in that region go away. Think about it: almost everyone does crunches but proportionately very few people perform total body workouts. So, with all of these crunches, we’d expect to see nothing but people with flat tummies and fat depots everywhere else on their body (arms, legs, etc.). But think of how many people you know and see on a regular basis whom have more than a few inches to lose in their midsection. See what I mean- spot reduction doesn’t work!
See, your body loses fat in a genetically pre-determined way when there is the appropriate caloric deficit AND hormonal environment created by proper eating and training. So your best bet is to focus on burning as many calories during your workouts as possible by engaging your whole body each and every training session (not just your abs). Compound, multi-joint movements like squats, push-ups, lunges, etc. (or better yet, total body exercises like squat to presses) burn a lot more calories than isolation movements like crunches and sit-ups. So be sure to focus on these movements first and then if you have time, you can do some extra core work to make yourself feel better!
Myth#3- Crunches and Sit-ups are the best, most effective exercises for your abs.
WRONG!
The scientific term for your six-pack muscles are your rectus abdominis. For years now, we have been conditioned to think that the best way to work your rectus abdominis is by doing endless crunches and sit-ups since these trunk flexion exercises make the muscles you want to see in the mirror “burn.” However, the true function of the rectus abdominis is to prevent hyperextension, not to flex forward over and over again. Anytime you brace your abs (think slight crunch before you get punched in the gut) and pull your navel into your spine you effectively stabilize your spine into a safe, neutral position. And the moment you relax your abs and lose that braced abs position, your back will begin to hyperextend putting you at greater risk for injury.
So, we focus on stabilization exercises in all three planes of movement (saggital- front to back, frontal- side to side, and transverse- rotational) by using pillar exercise variations (also know as planks). Besides training the true “anti-extension” function of your superficial ab muscles, these bridging/stabilization exercises also activate the key transverse abdominus muscles, or your deep abdominal stabilizers, that wrap around your spine and support your internal organs. Strengthening these inner ab muscles is the key to optimal posture and performance in addition to injury prevention, yet another benefit to performing pillars over primitive crunches and sit-ups that often cause unwanted neck and back pain.
Myth#4- Do lots of long-duration (steady state) cardio to burn the fat covering your abs
WRONG!
Both scientific research and real world case studies show that aerobic training for fat loss alone doesn’t work. Total body strength training is the true foundation of any solid fat loss plan. In addition, interval training, where you alternate between bouts of maximum effort and active recovery, is scientifically proven to burn nine times more fat than ordinary exercise. Please note that you can perform both strength interval training and cardio interval training to combine the best of both worlds. Be on the look out for Part II of this post!
Yours In Fitness,
Steve
“I do tons of core work every day and I still have a flabby midsection. What is the deal?”
Well, before I reveal the Next Level Beach Body abs blueprint, let’s first disprove some very important myths about how to get the elusive six-pack abs:
Myth#1- Weight loss is the key to seeing your abs
WRONG!
The key to getting those flat, beach body abs is FAT LOSS, not weight loss. Let me further explain: your body consists of fat mass and lean body mass (water, muscle, bone, organs, etc.). You want to minimize your fat mass and maximize your lean body mass to build a Beach Body metabolism: one that starves fat and builds muscle like a well oiled machine. By improving body composition you will put yourself in the best position to rock that coveted six-pack.
So if you lose 17 lbs on the scale at the expense of losing some lean muscle mass in the process you will end up slowing your metabolism, decreasing performance, and losing that good looking muscle tone. But if you lose 17 lbs on the scale and you manage to keep or gain lean muscle mass you will increase performance, see more visible definition throughout your body, and lose primarily body fat.
Watching the scale like a crazy person does not help! The Scale can show major fluctuations, caused by things like; hydration levels, sodium intake, and for women the menstrual cycle. I believe YOU should NOT keep a scale at your home- it for the most part is negative reinforcement, particularly for women. What happens when you have been busting your butt in your workouts, you get on that scale and it shows no change. Instant defeat! The problem is your body has changed, but the scale might not show it. Get off the scale and get over the numbers. The true goal is fat loss, not weight loss. Focus on clothing size reduction, digital before and after pictures, and of course the mirror for the most accurate progress tracking.
Myth#2- The more abdominal work you do the more stomach fat you will lose!
BULL POOP!
Spot reduction doesn’t work! It is the biggest fitness myth on the planet, and it is the thing most programs, fitness gadgets, and trainers use to market! You can’t just work the muscles of a certain area of your body and expect to have the fat in that region go away. Think about it: almost everyone does crunches but proportionately very few people perform total body workouts. So, with all of these crunches, we’d expect to see nothing but people with flat tummies and fat depots everywhere else on their body (arms, legs, etc.). But think of how many people you know and see on a regular basis whom have more than a few inches to lose in their midsection. See what I mean- spot reduction doesn’t work!
See, your body loses fat in a genetically pre-determined way when there is the appropriate caloric deficit AND hormonal environment created by proper eating and training. So your best bet is to focus on burning as many calories during your workouts as possible by engaging your whole body each and every training session (not just your abs). Compound, multi-joint movements like squats, push-ups, lunges, etc. (or better yet, total body exercises like squat to presses) burn a lot more calories than isolation movements like crunches and sit-ups. So be sure to focus on these movements first and then if you have time, you can do some extra core work to make yourself feel better!
Myth#3- Crunches and Sit-ups are the best, most effective exercises for your abs.
WRONG!
The scientific term for your six-pack muscles are your rectus abdominis. For years now, we have been conditioned to think that the best way to work your rectus abdominis is by doing endless crunches and sit-ups since these trunk flexion exercises make the muscles you want to see in the mirror “burn.” However, the true function of the rectus abdominis is to prevent hyperextension, not to flex forward over and over again. Anytime you brace your abs (think slight crunch before you get punched in the gut) and pull your navel into your spine you effectively stabilize your spine into a safe, neutral position. And the moment you relax your abs and lose that braced abs position, your back will begin to hyperextend putting you at greater risk for injury.
So, we focus on stabilization exercises in all three planes of movement (saggital- front to back, frontal- side to side, and transverse- rotational) by using pillar exercise variations (also know as planks). Besides training the true “anti-extension” function of your superficial ab muscles, these bridging/stabilization exercises also activate the key transverse abdominus muscles, or your deep abdominal stabilizers, that wrap around your spine and support your internal organs. Strengthening these inner ab muscles is the key to optimal posture and performance in addition to injury prevention, yet another benefit to performing pillars over primitive crunches and sit-ups that often cause unwanted neck and back pain.
Myth#4- Do lots of long-duration (steady state) cardio to burn the fat covering your abs
WRONG!
Both scientific research and real world case studies show that aerobic training for fat loss alone doesn’t work. Total body strength training is the true foundation of any solid fat loss plan. In addition, interval training, where you alternate between bouts of maximum effort and active recovery, is scientifically proven to burn nine times more fat than ordinary exercise. Please note that you can perform both strength interval training and cardio interval training to combine the best of both worlds. Be on the look out for Part II of this post!
Yours In Fitness,
Steve
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