There’s a reason we think it’s a good idea to practise ab exercises and ab workouts. Because while a set of strong abs are often coveted by Men’s Health readers, the benefits of a cobblestone core stretch far beyond aesthetics. Your abs are also one of the most important muscles in your body and having a stronger core will help your strength and your lifts - improving your numbers on the bench press, overhead work, deadlifts and squats. An effective ab workout will also improve your proficiency in any sport and help you to maintain good posture. While we know the well-worn adage that abs are built in the kitchen, if aesthetics are your goal, it’s safe to say that ab exercises deserve as much time and attention as any muscle group in your body. That said, it’s important that you’re not just putting in work in your nutrition, but that you’re also working intelligently in your training sessions, which is why we’ve collated the best exercises for the abdomen and ab workouts to get your mid-section firing.

A warning: when it comes to the ab exercises and workouts below, you'll want to get comfortable with the feeling of being uncomfortable. There are almost countless benefits of having a fortified mid-section that are applicable to almost everyone - whether you swear by a weekend 5K, are a devout CrossFitter or just want to become faster, fitter and stronger. Here are just a few. Hit a training plateau? Squats stalled? Deadlifts doing nothing? It could be your (lack of) accessory work and a weak core that's holding you back. A strong mid-section will become the sturdy foundation on which your compound moves should be built. Engage in ab workouts and it should help you lift heavier weights for more reps, generate more force through your body and keep your back safe. Simply put, core training can help you stand up a little straighter. A study in the Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies found that a programme of core training positively affected the posture of male volleyball players.

A strong core keeps your torso in a more stable position whenever you move, whether you're playing sports or just doing chores,' sports medicine specialist Dr J. Christopher Mendler said to Men's Health. This will translate into both your training and every day movements. As a strong core will help you transfer more power to your limbs, you'll be able to punch harder, drive further and, if you happen to be a swimmer, gamlitz-weinsommer.at power through the water. Core training makes you a better athlete in just about any strength or speed sport,' says Stuart McGill, professor of spine biomechanics at the University rms. 1. Lie with your back flat on the floor and your arms extended holding the barbell above your chest. 2. Keeping your arms fixed straight raise your legs up to the L-shaped position. 3. Lower your leg down to each side then back up without touching the floor. 1. Standing up with your knees slightly bent lift the medicine ball directly over your head with your arms extended. 2. Rise up on the balls of your feet and Prime Boosts Reviews Boosts Supplement use your core muscles to throw the ball to the ground as you bend forwards at the waist. 3. Catch the ball and repeat. The motion will not only train your abs but will also give you powerful shoulders.