Learn the truth behind popular abs myths and discover the effective strategies for achieving a strong, sculpted core.
Who doesn’t want a perfect body? To properly design a perfect abdominal program, you
need to stay away from hyped advertisements. You should forget literally everything you may have watched on TV infomercials. Several external factors play crucial roles if you want six or eight-pack abs. These factors are diet, genetics, training, habits, sleeping patterns, and so on. Various misconceptions have been going around about abdominal training. Let’s debunk some common myths.
Myth: Carbohydrates can kill your abs.
Fact: Carbohydrates or carbs are an 'essential nutrient' that your body uses as fuel. So, carbohydrates cannot harm your abs. Having said that, some 'fast-digesting' carbs like 'white bread', 'energy drinks', and 'potatoes' can lead to an insulin spike after a meal, which can hinder your fat loss. So, it is suggested not to have those food substances after workout sessions. On the other hand, you must acquire carbs from vegetable sources like fruits, legumes. You can also consume brown rice.
Myth: You need a daily workout for your abs.
Fact: Always remember that your 'abdominals' are just like other muscle groups of your body. These muscles respond best to your hard work after you take a rest. Overtraining can lead to other problems, like neck and lower back pain. Do not confuse strength training for your abs with others; it is different from 'endurance training' for the core.
Myth: Your stomach has two sets of muscles.
Fact: The 'rectus abdominis' is a very long, flat, and continuous sheet of one muscle. Any 'abdominal crunch' exercise works for the entire abdominal muscle. Although when you lift your 'upper body' off the floor, it emphasizes the 'upper region' of the rectus. Again, when you lift your 'hips' off the floor, it emphasizes the 'lower region'. So, you need to perform exercises that help both portions equally.
Myth: You need supplements and gadgets for your abs.
Fact: Although 'ab roller' type equipment helps beginners to understand their crunch movement, the 'floor' is the best option for abs. Besides, 'abdominal exercises' are more challenging when you use any gadgets. Some people also think that certain food supplements can help build your abs. This is partially true. When you are exercising, you need a certain diet plan, but never rely on the available supplements.
Myth: Sit-ups are far better than crunches for abs building.
Fact: With sit-ups, your abs are involved in the 'first part' of the motion. As your shoulders are above the floor, your 'hip-flexor' and 'lower-back' muscles take over. So there's no logic in doing sit-ups only.
Myth: You should perform hundreds of 'crunches' at a time.
Fact: As mentioned above, the abdominal muscles are just like other muscles in your body. So, do not give much stress at a time. You will soon feel fatigued, so you must do crunches with breaks. Performing improper crunches can harm your abs.
So, stay away from these misconceptions while building abs!
