Question:
I’ve been training over a year now seriously and for the most part I’m cutting my calories, doing my cardio, which I hate, and strength training. I’m happy with the results except I can’t get flat abs. I’ve come to the conclusion that I won’t and that’s okay, but I want to stop doing sit-ups as I hate them too. Do I have to train my abs? (Darren, Smithtown)
Answer:
Yes, you still must include abdominal, core, and lower back exercises to your workout. Everyone loves to believe in the myth of spot reducing. Without a doubt the abdominal area is known to store a good amount of fat, a regular drop off zone. Many are motivated to train their abs for superficial reasons involving their appearance. However, increased abdominal fat can herald metabolic syndrome which includes the potential for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. There are important health benefits to an abdominal workout:
- Reduction of lower back pain or injury
- Better external stabilization of the body while working out or doing functional activities
- Improved posture
After awhile that fat will get around to burning itself off, especially if you include cardio in your program 3X a week, you’ll get close to what you are looking for. Either way you are a winner!
Listen to Frank Mikulka’s Weekly Fitness Tips every week on Debbie Mandel’s Turn On Your Inner Light Show every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 7:30 pm on WGBB 1240AM. Also available on www.turnonyourinnerlight.com/page3.html
