If your abdominal exercises consist of sit-ups after sit-ups, it’s time for you to change your attitude.
Why? This repetitive approach will not only leave you bored, but it may also not provide your abs with the functional strength they need to fulfill their real purpose.
Last year, I swapped my regular sit-ups for the five kettlebell moves in the video below from certified personal trainer Deanna O’Donnell (@DeannaODFit), and the results were impressive.
If you want to give it a try, grab a kettlebell or two and prepare for a blissfully seizure-free core session.
Watch Deanna O’Donnell’s Alternative Core Workout
Benefits of this workout
Instead of repeatedly flexing your lower back with sit-ups or sit-ups, O’Donnell’s movements activate your core muscles so they support your spine and resist the force of the kettlebell pulling you away from your core.
Aaron Horschig, a physical therapist and strength training specialist, praised this way of training on his Instagram page.
“Your six-pack muscles work with your other core muscles to protect your spine, limiting spinal movement when you lift. Although your spine is very flexible and is designed to move, it is not designed to move much while bearing load.”
The goal is to keep your spine as stable as possible and that’s where strong abs come in. “If you want to see your abs, you just need a low percentage of body fat, but if you want to use that muscle for its real purpose, stop doing crunches,” he says.
My opinion about this workout
(Image credit: Future / Harry Bullmore)
This workout doesn’t provide the targeted “ab burn” that a bunch of sit-ups will inevitably bring. But that doesn’t mean it’s not effective. Instead, it offers a 360° approach, activating muscles that wrap around my entire belly.
I could feel the gears, in particular, stimulating the deeper core muscles, while the half-kneeling rotations targeted my obliques. I also liked the back muscle-strengthening effects of the gorilla rows.
By the end, my forehead was prickling with sweat and every muscle in my mid-body had that dull ache that a comprehensive core workout can cause.
(Image credit: Future / Harry Bullmore)
Strengthening my core muscles was a game changer. I was able to lift more weight and move better during my usual CrossFit sessions, and this also allowed me to train more consistently, helping me avoid injuries.
These impacts also translate into life outside the gym. Being injury-free makes daily activities easier and more enjoyable, while the increases I’ve seen in stability and strength have made a recent house move seem like a breeze.
So if you’re looking to spice up your workouts and build real-world strength, I definitely recommend you try this core workout.
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Image Source : www.fitandwell.com