In my group fitness classes there is always a participant who is yearning to crank out numerous repetitions of crunches. Frankly, I’d rather not subject participants to endless crunches that seem serve no purpose, other than to provide the false illusion that their fat will shrink or melt away. To my dismay, many people still believe that if they crunch to no end, they can spot reduce the fat or excess adipose tissue. I want to dispell this myth once and for all.
I understand where this fallacy is coming from, since our culture is obsessed with looking fit, young and sexy. God forbid, you should be old, out of shape, and have a flabby midriff, never mind young with a similar condition – that is an absoltute sin.
In this day and age, many clients are focused on aesthetics with function often taking a back seat. In one class, I had a participant consistently demand that we do traditional abs, while the rest of the group said, “You are doing/using your abs in the class!”
So what is all the hype about doing abs? Is it relentless crunching on the floor, bench, stability ball, or bosu? Can one do abs in an upright and functional position? Can one refuse to do abs in their traditional form and still work their abs? The answer is ABSolutely. For those that want a more traditional approach, I recommend Pilates because it is a smart, safe and effective approach that requires body awareness, control and precision without compromising your neck and low back. For others, like me, who like to be on their feet, there are endless ways to work the abs in a functional/non-traditional manner!
