Modern technology and successful research has enabled the food industries in the world’s leading countries to provide a seemingly endless stream of fast delicious gastronomic fare to anyone who wants it- anytime and mostly anywhere. It’s inevitable then that a big portion of the populace in those countries will over-indulge and become overweight.
The only thing that can counter the nutritional quagmire that we’re in is constant exercise. Sadly, a lot of people find it a challenge to stick to a regular exercise program and thus are suffering from all sorts of health problems from diabetes to high blood pressure and heart disease.
A lot of those that manage to find time to squeeze in exercise programs into their hectic daily schedules eventually get bored and stop after a few months. Reason for this is loss of motivation that comes about from inadequate workouts and insignificant results.
The number one reason people decide to work-out regularly is to lose body fat and get a toned and well-defined midsection. When they don’t see good enough results after a month or so, exercise sessions become dull and tedious.
Aside from regular cardiovascular exercises that facilitate rapid body fat burn, the best way to tone-up and develop the midsection is through developing the core muscles and improving the body’s stability. By doing exercises that include balancing and stabilizing the body, all-around core strength is improved.
The core of the human body refers to the muscles in our center. That means the upper and lower abs, the obliques on either side of our midsection and the lumbar muscles. Most fitness buffs make the common error of putting too much focus on the abdominal muscles and ignore the muscles on the lower back. A highly-developed abdomen would be useless without an equally strong back because injury can result from this imbalance of support.
Using a an exercise ball or similar unstable support for the body while doing ab exercises and hyperextensions will employ the use of the lower back and the muscles of the obliques also. Developing these as well as the abdominal muscles will insure complete core strength and a better balance and endurance.
The amount of calories burned while doing abdominal exercises on an exercise ball or other round surface is increased significantly compared to doing sit-ups and crunches flat on one’s back. Studies show that more muscle fibers are engaged in activity when a person is lying on a round surface. The wider range of motion means more calories spent and hence a faster abs workout.
