How To Get Ripped Abs Without Crunches (Video)

Written by Shin Ohtake on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 • 34 Comments

Traditional ab exercises like sit ups and crunches are not the best way to get you ripped abs. In fact, if you’ve read any of my past articles regarding ab/core exercises, you know that I don’t like anything that involves excessive movement of the spine.

Your spine is strongest at it’s neutral position, which is a natural “s” curve. And since your spine houses your spinal cord, it would make sense to have it in a position that can provide maximum support at all times. This is why excessive flexion, extension and rotation is not recommended, since it compromises your spine’s ability to protect your spinal nervous system.

So, how do you work your abs?

(Note: If you’re having trouble viewing this video, please try watching it directly on my YouTube channel and see if that helps)

Well “working” your abs doesn’t always have to come from movement. In fact, trying to prevent your spine from moving is a great way to stimulate your abs and functionally it’s what your abs were designed to do. Your abs protect your spine from excessive movements like flexion, extension and rotation.

Now if you’re doubting that anti-movement patterns can work your abs, better than your traditional sit ups and crunches…try this ab exercise out and see for yourself. This particular exercise involves anti-extension. So your abs have to prevent your spine from extending. And believe it or not, this simple exercise actually activates more abdominal muscles than crunches, twists and lateral bends combined. Just a few reps of this exercise and you’ll feel like you got sucker punched in your gut the next day.

To help you in your quest for ripped abs, I decided to do a 3 part series of simple but very effective ab exercises. This is part 1 of 3. Combine these ab exercises with potent fat burning workouts like the ones in my MAX Workouts program and you’ll start shedding excess belly fat while tightening your stomach

Try this one out and let me know how your abs feel.

Do you think the anti-movement works your abs more than regular crunches and sit ups?

I’d love to know what you think. Please post your comments below.

About The Author

Shin Ohtake is a widely recognized strength coach and fitness & fat-loss expert. His unconventional, no-nonsense approach to getting fit has made him the go-to source for fitness enthusiasts and trainers alike. Shin is also the author of the world famous, MAX Workouts book, which has transformed and reshaped the bodies of thousands of people across the globe - without requiring hours in the gym. To learn more about how MAX Workouts can help you achieve your fitness goals, visit maxworkouts.com.

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