There are hundreds of abs workout DVDs out on the market that promise you the same thing: six pack abs in 0 time. Well, the truth is that achieving the level of definition to really reveal your six pack abs requires are lot of hard work, and the right information.
Most of the information out their on abdominal training is pretty basic – do lots of crunches and situps, along with tons of cardio, and follow a highly calorie restrictive diet, and you will achieve the physique you desire.
But the problem with this approach is that it’s not the best. I know personally when I’ve engaged in excessive cardio or calorie manipulation, I’ve felt tired, weak, and ended up losing a lot of muscle mass that I worked so hard to build up.
It’s a terrible cycle to get yourself into, and I don’t want that to happen to you. Neither does Craig Ballantyne. He’s already come out with his own set of DVDs, featuring all (not some) of his top abdominal workouts.
How are Craig’s abdominal Workouts different from other abdominal workouts?
Well, first of all, Craig Ballantyne does not tell you to do endless crunches and situps. Most people don’t even perform them properly, and frankly, they’re not that effective. The literature on abdominal training is for the most part, false.
Here’s the truth: your abdominals play the function of stabilizers. Hence, the best way to train your abs it to combine total body movements such as pull-ups, pushups, and squats with tough abdominal movements such as the plank and side plank.
What about Cardio?
Remember I stated that doing excessive cardio breaks down hard-earned lean muscle mass? Well that muscle mass is very important to keep your metabolism up. It also looks pretty good. I’d rather be muscular and lean rather then scrawny and skinny.
Anyways, the best way to burn fat around your belly while maintaining your muscle mass is through interval training. For those that have been following Craig’s programs know’s that he’s a huge advocate of interval training.
Taking it a Step Further
In his brand new TT Abs DVD’s, you’re going to be learning some pretty interesting ways you can take any regular exercise, and turn it into a movement that engages more of your abdominals. For example, next time you perform a dumbbell row, notice how much you’re engaging your abs.
Because rows are a great muscle builder, most people go heavy on them and perform 6-8 repetitions. Next time, go light and perform 15-20 repetitions. You’re automatically feel greater stress on your abs.
We can take this rowing idea further by performing a movement known as renegade rows. To perform this movement, get down into pushup position, with each hand around a dumbbell. Start off with light dumbbells, because this movement is tough.
Perform a pushup, letting your body go down deeper. The elevated level of the dumbbells will allow you to get a greater range of motion. Now, when you get back to starting position, lift your right hand off the floor, and pull it towards your body.
Yes, you’re performing a row from the pushup position. Your entire body will be shaking as you try to stabilize yourself with one hand while rowing. Lower the weight slowly back down. Perform a pushup, and row with your other hand.
One Last Movement…
Here’s another very simple modification you can make. Next time your perform a pullup or chinup, bend with your knees and raise them towards your chest. Essentially, you’re performing a pullup and a hanging knee raise at the same time.
As you get stronger, you can perform a pullup and hanging leg raise at the same time. Then as you get even stronger, perform L-Pullups. L-Pullups are where your keep your legs straight out in front of you so that your body is in an “L” shape, and do a pullup.
