Abs and core strength training
Core strength training programs focus on increasing the strength and sometimes the activation of trunk muscles. Like other strength training programs core strength training relies on resistance. One common difference between core strength and other strength training is the way in which resistance is applied. There is much more to core strength than simply doing sit ups to workout rectus abdominis (the 'six pack' muscle). Core strength training programs often require a little bit of innovation in order to provide resistance to the desired muscle contractions, or activate the target muscles. In addition to supporting your back, core strength is very important in a number of athletic pursuits. An athlete's performance in sports such as baseball, football, golf, tennis, basketball, hockey, swimming, and soccer is dependent on their core strength. For this reason a number of programs specifically for core strength training have been developed. We have reviewed 3 of the most popular programs for six pack abs or core strength below.
The Truth About Six Pack Abs Review
Purpose: Lose fat, get great looking abs
Developed by: Michael Geary
His story: Personal trainer and nutritionist. He is mainly famous for this program which is the most popular program available online. Many people have had success with this program.
Level: Beginner and Intermediate
Rating: 5/5 STARS!
The program: This program is as much about nutrition as it is about exercising your abs… and this is the key to great abs. Michael Geary knows that there is no point in using latest fad stomach machine if our diet is rubbish. The nutritional information stops short of giving you specific recipes to follow, but it does allow you to begin to put together the right kinds of meals in your own kitchen. The abdominal routines are certainly great if you want to develop a six pack or firm up that stomach. But this programs greatest strength is the way it is put together in such a comprehensive fashion. It covers motivation, nutrition, fat loss and a great abdominal exercise program.
Extras: DVD ‘5 Keys to fat loss’, 4 motivational audios, 8-week dumbbell program
Comments: If you are simply looking to do abdominal exercises to look good then this is the program for you. Its straight forward and comprehensive for this purpose. If you are looking to develop peak core strength and stability for a particular sporting endeavour then I’d probably choose a different program.
Verdict: If you want a comprehensive program to get washboard abs then this you won’t be disappointed with this program. I think the whole package is pretty good value.
If you want to visit The Truth About Abs website click here (external site)
Developed by: Michael Geary
His story: Personal trainer and nutritionist. He is mainly famous for this program which is the most popular program available online. Many people have had success with this program.
Level: Beginner and Intermediate
Rating: 5/5 STARS!
The program: This program is as much about nutrition as it is about exercising your abs… and this is the key to great abs. Michael Geary knows that there is no point in using latest fad stomach machine if our diet is rubbish. The nutritional information stops short of giving you specific recipes to follow, but it does allow you to begin to put together the right kinds of meals in your own kitchen. The abdominal routines are certainly great if you want to develop a six pack or firm up that stomach. But this programs greatest strength is the way it is put together in such a comprehensive fashion. It covers motivation, nutrition, fat loss and a great abdominal exercise program.
Extras: DVD ‘5 Keys to fat loss’, 4 motivational audios, 8-week dumbbell program
Comments: If you are simply looking to do abdominal exercises to look good then this is the program for you. Its straight forward and comprehensive for this purpose. If you are looking to develop peak core strength and stability for a particular sporting endeavour then I’d probably choose a different program.
Verdict: If you want a comprehensive program to get washboard abs then this you won’t be disappointed with this program. I think the whole package is pretty good value.
If you want to visit The Truth About Abs website click here (external site)
Accelerated Muscular Development 2.0 Review
Purpose: Increase muscle mass (bulk up to look good)
Developed by: Jim Smith
His story: This guy has serious cred and has been around the industry for a long time. He has certification as a strength and conditioning specialist through the national association (NSCA).
Level: Beginner and Intermediate
Rating: 4/5 STARS
The program: This is an electronic manual that will educate you on how to put together an awesome workout that can be completed in a minimal amount of time. The program focuses on the use of compound exercises (using multiple muscle groups in each exercise), which is a tried and tested approach for successful muscle gains with minimum workout times. Another good aspect of this program is the focus on injury prevention and rehabilitation, something that a specialist like Jim Smith understands better than your average trainer. There is an additional manual on recovery. The program also has a good focus on core strength and stability, which also has its own manual. The printable workout sheets are convenient to take with you to the gym (or wherever you workout). For those who want to lose fat while you are building muscle there are a bunch of additional routines you can add to the muscle building program. No questions asked money back guarantee is also a good thing.
Extras: Deadlift fundamentals manual + video guide, fat loss guide, additional upper body and lower body training sessions and access to ‘AMD Premier Youtube Channel’ where Jim Smith has video guides on how to (and not to) perform the different exercises.
Comments: There is no question that Jim Smith is a gun. I couldn’t help feel that this program is a little more targeted to athletes (or those who want to look like athletes and already have a bit of fitness). If you are an absolute amateur you may be better off checking out the Muscle Gaining Secrets program. If you are more of an athlete who wants to get stronger to improve your performance then this would be a great program for you.
Verdict: Jim Smith is a legend. This program is great. The videos on the youtube channel are really good for improving your technique. You may find it useful to video yourself on your phone (or something similar) and compare it to the online videos. I don’t think anyone who buys this product and sticks to the workouts will be disappointed with the results.
If you want to visit the Accelerated Muscular Development Program 2.0 website click here (external site)
Developed by: Jim Smith
His story: This guy has serious cred and has been around the industry for a long time. He has certification as a strength and conditioning specialist through the national association (NSCA).
Level: Beginner and Intermediate
Rating: 4/5 STARS
The program: This is an electronic manual that will educate you on how to put together an awesome workout that can be completed in a minimal amount of time. The program focuses on the use of compound exercises (using multiple muscle groups in each exercise), which is a tried and tested approach for successful muscle gains with minimum workout times. Another good aspect of this program is the focus on injury prevention and rehabilitation, something that a specialist like Jim Smith understands better than your average trainer. There is an additional manual on recovery. The program also has a good focus on core strength and stability, which also has its own manual. The printable workout sheets are convenient to take with you to the gym (or wherever you workout). For those who want to lose fat while you are building muscle there are a bunch of additional routines you can add to the muscle building program. No questions asked money back guarantee is also a good thing.
Extras: Deadlift fundamentals manual + video guide, fat loss guide, additional upper body and lower body training sessions and access to ‘AMD Premier Youtube Channel’ where Jim Smith has video guides on how to (and not to) perform the different exercises.
Comments: There is no question that Jim Smith is a gun. I couldn’t help feel that this program is a little more targeted to athletes (or those who want to look like athletes and already have a bit of fitness). If you are an absolute amateur you may be better off checking out the Muscle Gaining Secrets program. If you are more of an athlete who wants to get stronger to improve your performance then this would be a great program for you.
Verdict: Jim Smith is a legend. This program is great. The videos on the youtube channel are really good for improving your technique. You may find it useful to video yourself on your phone (or something similar) and compare it to the online videos. I don’t think anyone who buys this product and sticks to the workouts will be disappointed with the results.
If you want to visit the Accelerated Muscular Development Program 2.0 website click here (external site)
Firm and Flatten Your Abs Review
Purpose: Lose fat, get great looking abs
Developed by: David Grisaffe
His story: Personal trainer, strength coach, health and lifestyle coach
Level: From beginner to advanced
Rating: 3/5 Stars
The program: This no frills guide includes comprehensive exercises (with photographic demonstrations) for your core musculature as well as dietary information to boost your metabolism to help you burn up the fat. The exercises are wide ranging with variations to allow individualised progression rather than a one size fits all approach. There is no need for any of those machines you see on the infomercials to get great results, this guide uses proven principles that are worth following. One thing I liked was that rather than just try and build up a six pack (rectus abdominis), other muscles that stabilise and support your back are also targeted. This is one of the few principles that have actually been shown to reduce the risk of back pain in the long term. It comes with an 8-week money back guarantee.
Extras: 5 ebooks (Eliminate Lower Back Pain, David Grisaffi’s Walking Guide, Modern Diet Secrets Revealed, Yoga Stress Relievers and Stretching and Flexibility Success Secrets)
Comments: This is a comprehensive core muscle building program. The extra’s add value. It’s useful for people who don’t have access to a gym. I thought the nutrition information was better in The Truth About Abs.
Verdict: Not bad if you are after a no frills comprehensive core workout. Its quite cheap so is a good budget option.
If you want to visit Firm and Flatten Your Abs website click here (external site)
Developed by: David Grisaffe
His story: Personal trainer, strength coach, health and lifestyle coach
Level: From beginner to advanced
Rating: 3/5 Stars
The program: This no frills guide includes comprehensive exercises (with photographic demonstrations) for your core musculature as well as dietary information to boost your metabolism to help you burn up the fat. The exercises are wide ranging with variations to allow individualised progression rather than a one size fits all approach. There is no need for any of those machines you see on the infomercials to get great results, this guide uses proven principles that are worth following. One thing I liked was that rather than just try and build up a six pack (rectus abdominis), other muscles that stabilise and support your back are also targeted. This is one of the few principles that have actually been shown to reduce the risk of back pain in the long term. It comes with an 8-week money back guarantee.
Extras: 5 ebooks (Eliminate Lower Back Pain, David Grisaffi’s Walking Guide, Modern Diet Secrets Revealed, Yoga Stress Relievers and Stretching and Flexibility Success Secrets)
Comments: This is a comprehensive core muscle building program. The extra’s add value. It’s useful for people who don’t have access to a gym. I thought the nutrition information was better in The Truth About Abs.
Verdict: Not bad if you are after a no frills comprehensive core workout. Its quite cheap so is a good budget option.
If you want to visit Firm and Flatten Your Abs website click here (external site)
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