T2B
TWIG TO BIG
The Ab Exception
By Vince Del Monte
Does everyone need dedicated core training ? Yes , they do .
Let me frame the question we ’ ll be tackling this month in a few different ways :
• Is it necessary to include direct abdominal work into your program if your goal is performance ?
• Is it worth your time and effort to train your abs even if you don ’ t care how they look ?
• Should you do a separate abdominal workout if you ’ re already doing a lot of heavy compound lifting that engages the core ?
The answer is not “ yes ,” it ’ s a “ hell yeah !”
Individuals who say “ no ” will argue that the abs are supposed to be working when doing all your compound lifts such as squats , deadlifts , military presses , pull-ups , and rows . However , I argue that their contribution to these movements will be limited by your ability to recruit them if your capacity for recruitment is low . If that ’ s the case , then those compound movements won ’ t receive adequate stimulation and overload when you ’ re doing these types of exercises . As a result , they become a weak link in the chain , and you ’ re only as strong as your weakest link . In other words , you will never realize your true performance potential in your squats , deadlifts , military presses , pull-ups , and rows if you don ’ t address the weakest link in the chain .
there are no downsides to making your abdominal muscles as strong as possible .
Listen , I get it . When you do a heavy deadlift or front squat , there is a ton of core engagement . And I understand that spending precious training minutes doing direct ab work may not seem like a good investment of your time because you don ’ t perceive the benefit to be very high . However , let me ask you : If the abdominals play a substantial role in increasing your capacity to produce force through the movements that you specifically want to get better at , doesn ’ t it make sense to make them as strong as possible ?
Photos : Binais Begovic , Model : Markus kaulius
22 april 2017 | ironmanmagazine . com