If you want to strengthen your core, there are much better options than sit-ups. And that might be the main reason why you should stop doing sit-ups. Check out the best options below.
A strong core is perceived as being strong overall with a low body fat percentage. In fact, everyone usually wants to target their midline with exercises to make it stronger and hopefully achieve that coveted six-pack look.
I have two bad news for you then. If you think ab exercises will get you a six-pack, you’re wrong. The only thing it will do is strengthen your core. If you want a six-pack look and you don’t have it yet, you should aim to lower your body fat percentage.
Source: Cottonbro Studio on PexelsYou already have abs, but they’re probably hidden under a layer of fat. The worst part about trying to lose belly fat is that you just can’t target it specifically. There are no exercises that only target belly fat. You’ll need to workout consistently to burn more fat overall, eat fewer calories, and over time you’ll see your six-pack abs.
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However, if you are relatively lean or just want to improve your abdominal strength, we urge you to stop doing sit-ups.
Stop doing sit-ups
Source: RODNAE Productions on PexelsWhy should you stop doing sit-ups if it’s the most basic and widely used ab exercise? Just because it’s very popular doesn’t mean it’s very effective.
In the video below, sports teacher and fitness guru on YouTube Alexander Lorenz explains why you should stop doing sit-ups and lists 3 abdominal exercises to improve them. He is the co-founder of Calisthenic movement and formed Calisthenics since 2012, regularly uploads videos for people interested in getting in shape using only their body weight.
First off, if you’re doing sit-ups, you’re primarily training the rectus abdominis, only one part of your abs. Sit-ups can be limited in intensity and can negatively impact your spine.
Stop Doing Sit-Ups – 3 Exercises Best for a Six-Pack
1. Knee Raise
The leg or knee raise is great for your abs, but the knee raise made the cut here because it targets your abs without being hindered by your mobility or lack of mobility.
The knee raise can be done in a standing or hanging position. Make sure you don’t use momentum to do the move as it takes the tension out of your abs.
2. Knee to elbow plank + side plank
These are two exercises combined that will give you the best value for money and that is why it is on this list of better abdominal exercises than sit-ups.
Always make sure you have a posterior pelvic tilt to further engage the abs for the first part of the exercise. Aim for a hollow body position for optimal core engagement.
For the plank, keep your body as horizontal as possible, don’t just cling to your structures, push your arm, leg and shoulder blade into the ground.
The side plank can be done with one or two legs on the ground – one leg is much harder to stabilize.
3. Plank
Source: Olivia Bauso / UnsplashIf a normal plank is too easy for you, you can adjust the difficulty by lengthening the lever between your elbows and your feet, the two fulcrums. The further back you move your body, the more difficult the exercise becomes.
However, the greater the distance, the more pressure you put on your spine, which is bad if you cannot hold the position with the pelvis tilted forward.
This exercise can also be done by lifting one foot off the floor or one hand, or both, to add instability and create more tension on your abs.
To fully understand why you should stop doing sit-ups altogether, and to learn exactly how to perform each of the exercises described above, click on the video below in which Alex Lorenz talks everything about it in detail.
VIDEO – Stop Doing Sit-Ups
Now that you know you should stop doing sit-ups for various reasons and still want to improve your knowledge and six-pack training, click on the links below to get you one step closer to your fitness goals!
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The Only 3 Ab Exercises You Need For A Ripped Six Pack
Best abs exercises for a six pack
10 HIIT exercises to lose belly fat faster
12 weird core exercises for an amazing six-pack