Do You Really Need to Train Your Abs?
Let’s Find Out!
Here’s the scoop: When we exercise, our muscles can’t choose where to burn fat from. Fat in our bodies is stored as triglycerides, which our muscles can’t access directly. Instead, they break down the triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol, which are then delivered to our muscles through the bloodstream.
When we exercise, we burn fat from all over our bodies, not just the specific area we aim to target.So forget about spot-reducing. It’s a no-go.
And talking about those dreamy, flat abs. Guess what?
It’s more diet-based than movement-based, and it is a whole lot of hard, freaking work to get that 6-pack. I’m speaking from experience here. My abs were on point in my mid to late 40’s.
But here’s the thing: I realized that life was more fun when I stopped obsessing over my diet and carb intake. Goodbye restrictions, hello happiness!
Stronger abs can help reduce back pain, allow you to lift heavier during your workouts, and add stability to your core.
Now, here’s a little tip: if you lift weights, you don’t need to focus too much on training your abs separately.
Why? Because exercises like squats, deadlifts, rows, snatches, cleans, and lunges already engage your abs big time. The abs are engaged with your lifts to prevent your body from rotating, extending, or flexing laterally. All these movements are key when it comes to training your core.
But wait, there’s more!
You should also incorporate some flexion-based exercises, as your abs flex your spine as well. And to my osteo-friends out there, you can go for a McGill curl-up.
I recommend 1-2 extra ab-specific sessions a week, and if strengthening your core is a goal, then bump that up to 3-4 sessions.
To help you, I try this crunch-free ab workout, or hit up my core playlist on YouTube. And if you want to get those abs strong, do my 21-day abs challenge on Over Fifty Fitness. That will get those abs STRONG!
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Hi, I’m PJ Wren.
I’ve been working with people of all ages, all fitness abilities, and varying fitness goals for over two decades.
I’ve helped thousands of women over the years who are just like you, feel more energized, stronger, and more confident in their bodies. I turn gym goers and non-believers of getting fit at home into believers, with at-home workouts that will give you the results you want, no gym equipment or crazy diet required!
I’m passionate about women over 40 because I am over 40 myself.
I know what it feels like to be middle-aged, and what it’s like to have a hot flash while looking for my bloody reading glasses.
I’m honoured you choose me, in the HUGE ocean of fitness professionals, to help you get fit, get strong and get fierce.
I promise to only give it to ya straight while listening to what you want, and what you need.
ox PJ
