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Ab Workouts Are a Waste of Your Time
Seriously, Please Stop.
Some of the most popular content in the fitness industry are ab workouts, and it’s ironic that they are also some of the least effective.
Why is that?
Well, first, let’s look at the anatomy of the “core”, from the perspective of a typical fitness content consumer.
This is the rectus abdominis, and is essentially the “six pack” muscle, though it does vary considerably in structure. It can have a six pack, but it can range from anywhere from four to even ten “packs”, it can be staggered or symmetrical, it can even have a split down the middle. Regardless of appearance, the function is very simple — either moving the sternum towards the hips, or vice versa.
There are also the obliques, both internal and external, which are responsible for twisting motions as well as crunching the torso to the side, but these are often forgotten.
