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You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best! Six Pack Abs Made Easy (Kinda) 01/12/2012
12 Comments
 
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Friendly Friends,

We all know that abs are forged as equally in the kitchen as they are the gym. Which is why it is imperative that you implement the Metabolic Reset Protocol along with your FVT or metabolic conditioning program.

But that's not to say that all core exercises are created equal, as this is simply not the case!

The selection process was not easy. But what I have come up with are what I believe some of the most tried and true movements for not only carving out a ripped midsection, but developing a strong and functional core as well.

Let them harp on flexion all they want! I don't subscribe to the notion that lumbar flexion is "bad" for us. Indeed there are plenty of better alternatives than performing flexion work from a position in which your sacrum is locked (ie the ostracized crunch or sit up), the likes of which you will see below. 

The problem isn't with training flexion and linear ab movements (which are the most tried and true way for developing a chiseled mid-section), but rather with ONLY training flexion and linear ab movements.

As I have discussed before the primary purpose of our core first and foremost is "anti" everything. Anti-flexion, anti-extension, and anti-rotation. Most humans need more core stability not mobility! -- I can't say I know anybody who lacks mobility in their lumbar region...

That's why in this video you will see traditional linear ab work, rotational ab work, but also all of the "anti" work as well.

From hanging leg raises, to windshield wipers, to rack hold - you wanted the best, you got the best!

Oh, and for idea's on implementation, check out the entire day devoted to core training in our Force Velocity Training eBook
 


Comments

Big Pete
01/12/2012 04:11

Nice Ab exercises, they certainly look vile enough to come from you. I find myself beginning to swing when I do the hanging exercises and also don't have the range of motion like you do...any advice on that?

Reply
Pat
01/12/2012 04:16

Pete,

you will notice there is a box behind my feet on all the hanging movements - this is to stop me from using any sort of sway to gather momentum. Put some sort of obstruction behind you to stop from swaying.

As for working up to HLR - start with knee raises, L-Sits, and eccentrics (knee raise up, HLF down slowly).

Also be sure to maintain solid glute engagement and scapular depression and retraction to keep everything tight.

Hope this helps

Reply
Christine
01/12/2012 04:24

Following on the heels of that last comment...how can you work up to the windshield wipers? The only thing I could think of was keeping a bent knee and working your way into straightening your legs out, but am I missing a step or two?

Reply
Pat
01/12/2012 04:31

Good questions,

Again, start with the knee variation of windshield wipers, rotational leg raises, and L-sits. After time you find yourself able to bang out a few reps. Do so everyday and those few reps will turn to many in no time.

Truth be told if you commit to practicing these hanging ab movements, especially if you have a strong core to begin with, they don't take all that long to work up to for as difficult as they initially seem to be.

Reply
Somnath Sikdar link
01/12/2012 09:28

Additionally, your pullup/chin up strength and hanging leg raise ability is very closely related.

If you want to get better at pull-ups: practice more hanging leg raises.

If you want to get better at hanging leg raises, practice more pullups. No kipping please.

If your chin ups are stronger than your pull ups, try switching to a chin up grip for the windshield wipers.

Reply
Dan Kerrigan
01/14/2012 05:23

Regarding the hanging leg raises, I have found that, by default, I do knee raises to maintain good form and build strength -- working toward the true leg raises as I build strength.

For me, these exercises have already had much more effect on my abs than traditional ab exercises like sit-ups. (At least it feels that way!)

Seems that you get a lot of bang for your buck with the hanging exercises, especially when considering Som's comments on how they also help pull up strength too! Thanks guys.

Reply
Pat
01/14/2012 05:27

Dan, you're right about the bang for your buck - the classic hanging leg raise has a higher degree of neuromuscular activation than just about any other ab exercise out there. So if you are ever short on time - you can never go wrong with just performing a few sets of leg raises.

Thanks for watching!

Reply
Christine
01/14/2012 06:00

Pat and Som--thanks for the response!

I've been practicing my vertical pulls but not hanging leg raises so much; however, the leg raises have definitely improved lately. That correlation--and the fact that there actually is one--makes sense now.

And since my chin-ups are stronger, maybe I'll give the windmill a go soon using a supinated grip. It ain't gonna be pretty at first, I can say that much. But maybe I'll surprise even myself.

Thanks again!

Reply
Dan Kerrigan
01/16/2012 04:01

Yeah Pat, I would also add that the rack holds are pretty impressive too...30-45-60 and by the end of the 60 second hold, you feel it.

Reply
Pat Flynn
01/17/2012 04:36

Rack holds are too often overlooked. I was first introduced to heavy rack holds when boxing with Brian Petty - not only great for stability, but also for learning to root yourself to the ground and maintaining a solid base.

Great for improving strength for clinch work for any grappler/mma fighter

Reply
George A. link
03/27/2012 00:10

Very interesting Abb Workouts article with very helpful information that we can all learn from. I will recommend this article to all my friends and co-workers.
A similar <a title="article" href="http://www.abb-workouts.net">article</a>

Reply
John link
05/01/2012 01:33

Nice vid, I already put this blog in my rss feed, great info about <a href="http://www.ireducestomachfat.com">ab exercises</a>. Keep it up!

Reply



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