Abs Training Myths: What Really Works?

Have you started abs training with the idea in mind that your abs will look just like Tiger Shroff or Sara Ali Khan? Then you must be going to the gym, doing rigorous abs training workouts, just so you can look at your belly and feel good about yourself. 

But I am sorry to inform you that you might be falling for the common myths about abs. Don’t worry, you are not alone who is believing in the myths and following a routine that might not give you the result that you are looking for. 

So let’s bust the myth and give you the right direction. 

Abs Training Myths: What are those? 

In gyms, I have seen people working a lot on abs, doing sets of crunches, russian twists, leg raises, and whatnot to develop six-pack abs. Yes, you need to do a lot of core exercises, but you might not know that many of your efforts are actually going in vain because you believe in the myths. Let’s see what the top myths are so you do not do them anymore. 

Myth 1: Spot Reduction 

Oh Gosh! I can’t tell you how many people are actually doing exercises for spot reduction of fat. But it is probably the biggest and most common myth people fall for. People with a belly pooch are often directed to do certain exercises for fat reduction in the particular area, but fat burning does not work like that. You can lose overall body fat, which will include your belly as well. So belly fat workout is actually useless. 

Myth 2: Do Ab-Specific Exercise To Build Abs

Again, focusing only on abs exercises is not fruitful, and doing them alone will never help you build strong abs. Focus on doing compound exercises like deadlifts, squats, and overhead presses, along with other exercises that engage your core, are actually helpful in building abs. Don’t do abs exercises alone; you will get nothing.

Myth 3: Crunches For Killer Abs

I can’t believe how many people I have seen doing sets of crunches and sit-ups because they think that is the only way to build abs. NO!!!! It’s a myth, sit-ups and crunches are not that effective in abs building. And most importantly, repetitive crunches and sit-ups can actually hurt your back and give you a lifetime of injuries. 

Myth 4: Visible Abs Mean Strong Core

Looking at the dashing six-pack abs in a person, you might be assuming their core is strong, but again, that’s a myth. Visible abs do not equate to a strong core; one can have good abs to look at, but they might not have stability and functionality of the core. So, abs training can help you in building abs, but if not combined with other core-engaging exercises, you might not have a strong core, so mind that. 

Myth 5: Regular Abs Workout

If you are focusing on abs building and doing regular core exercises, you are wrong. Like any other muscle in your body, your abs muscles also need rest. Every day, engaging the same muscle in abs training can actually cause a sprain, and it will also affect the progress. 

What Really Works? 

Well, in simple words, do not believe in the myth. If you have been doing any of the things mentioned as myths in the abs training exercises, then drop them now.

Now let me tell you what you should do instead. 

• Maintain a calorie-deficient diet if you are willing to get rid of the belly fat. Of course, belly fat workouts are needed to be there, but not focused. Burn more calories through your gym workout routine, and along with that, have a diet plan accordingly so you can maintain the deficit. Intake more protein, low sugar, good fat, and complex carbohydrates in your diet if you want to lose belly fat and get a flat stomach. 
• You absolutely need to change your workout routine, and for that, you need to include compound exercises in your routine. Pull-ups, Kettlebell swings and Deadlifts need to be included in your gym sessions. 
• You also need to tighten your core, and for that, add plank variations, cable chops, hanging leg raises, and anti-rotation work should be done. Your obliques, transverse and rectus abdominis, and lower back areas of your core need to be worked on in your abs workout sessions. 
• If you are doing Crunches and Sit-ups, gradually progress by adding weight while doing crunches, and engage in decline sit-ups and resistance band planks. 
• Do not overload yourself with the same repetitive exercises; they can be dangerous at times. Rest adequately, and give your core muscles rest so that they can recover better. 
• Most of all, do not expect results in overtime, just because you are in a calorie deficit and you are doing various exercises, you will not see results overnight. Stay consistent with your routine, keep the myths aside, and you will see the best results in time. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Training Abs Actually Work?

Yes, and No, training your abs can help you in strengthening your core muscles, give you stability, improve your posture, and provide many other benefits. But if you are doing an abs workout to reduce your belly fat in particular or thinking about building visibly appealing abs, then it may not work. 

2. Can I Do Crunches And Sit-Ups For Abs Training?

Yes, you can do crunches and sit-ups for abs training; they will help you maximise your abs endurance. But remember to do them in moderation, and make sure to engage in progression of those exercises. 

3.  What Are The Common Gym Myths About Abs?

Spot reduction through abs exercises, doing more crunches, and regular abs exercises are some of the common gym myths about abs. 

4. Are Spot Reduction Exercises Useful For Abs?

No, spot reduction exercises are not at all useful if you are doing them to lose belly fat. You can strengthen your core muscles and bring stability through them, but they are not effective for abs building or belly fat reduction. 

5. Are Planks Better Than Crunches?

Yes, even though both exercises have their own benefits to your body and abs training, planks are considered to be more effective for core strength and stability. Planks are beneficial for the overall core, whereas crunches work on six muscles. 

6. How Often Should I Train My Abs?

If you are working on your abs muscles, then you should give them enough rest. Training for at least 2-3 days is enough to train your abs. 

Summing Up

Among other gym myths, abs training myths are the most common ones. And people are most likely to make these mistakes at the gym. Doing the same few exercises over and over again can be bad for your abs. And if you do not mix different types of exercises along with a calorie-deficient diet, then you will never achieve your abs goal. 

Remember, if you keep on making mistakes, you will soon be frustrated as you will not be able to achieve your desired body shape anytime soon. So, understand the myths and avoid them.