Unknown Highly Effective Core Exercise
When it comes to core training there are a LOT of options. Far more than any other muscle group. Obviously some exercises are more effective than others, but what you really want/need in your training is variety.
A lot of people over-train the rectus abdominus (the six pack muscles) thinking that is the answer to their stomach fat issues. But in reality that’s only a very small part of your core. And if you overtrain one area and neglect others you will end up with muscle imbalances and a lack of results.
What Should You Do?
I believe that their should be 4 main components to your abdominal training. Yes the rectus abdominus training is one part of it, so some sort of crunch. Secondly some sort of plank variation is key to hit the deep core muscles. Thirdly some sort of leg raise variation (doesn’t have to be done hanging onto a bar can be done lying on the floor) is important to target the lower abs. Hang on for number 4….
Most people that train do component 1. In my experience over half do component 2. Probably a third of people do component 3. But barely anyone does component 4.
What is the Unknown Highly Effective Core Exercise?
Component 4 is a standing core exercise. As a said earlier the key is variation. You body not only responds well to different exercises, but by doing them from different starting position as well. You get a totally different workout on the core by standing up. So try the Standing Dumbbell March. After all we spend a lot of our lives standing up so having a strong core in that position is vital.
Grab 2 dumbbells, a weight with which you would usually dumbbell shoulder press. Press the weights overhead but leave the arms up in the extended position. Then drive your knees up as high as you can alternately as if you were marching. Don’t rush the exercise though, you want to hold and squeeze your abs as you raise the knee up. Try to do 10 reps on each side. If that’s still comfortable at the end either increase the reps or the weight.
As an additional benefit to this exercise you are getting a great workout for your upper back, shoulders and triceps as well. And as we know the more muscles you engage at a time the better!
Conclusion – Unknown Highly Effective Core Exercise
This is a great exercise and when I give it to a client no one has ever done it before. It’s a great variation and addition to your core training so give it a go.