By: The Icon Diet Reader
So there I was, a gangly, ungainly guy standing in a giant aerobics studio surrounded by mirrors. Next to me on
floor was a fitness ball. I had never used a fitness ball, in fact I had never even heard of a fitness ball. None less, there I was. My work out partner, in far better shape then I, was going to show me how to use ball to make my ab routine more excruciatingly effective.
The whole premise of this heightened routine was to center around crunch. For those of you who don't know what a crunch is, a crunch is like doing a sit up without actually sitting up. In fact, whole motion of a crunch is to keep your abs constantly flexed. I had always thought that crunches were like doing push ups on you knees – a bit of a cop out. I was wrong.
The thing about your abs is that unlike other muscle groups they can take a lot. When you work your abs, it takes a lot to get them going. What is really different about abs is that they bulge in their relaxed state and are stretched thin when flexed. Think about your leg muscles for a second. Your quads bulge when you flex them. Abs are other way around.
Getting myself on to fitness ball was an exercise in patients. Having never used one before, it was awkward and it felt really odd. This is due in part to my rather uncoordinated nature, and yes I am a horrible dancer. What really made it difficult for me to position myself correctly on ball was fact I was laughing hysterically. Being in aerobics studio surrounded by mirrors, gave me multiple angles from which to watch my floundering.
Abs are largely responsible for holding you up. They are part of what is known as your core. Your core is what keeps you stable when standing, allows your body to twist at waist, rise after bending over, and remain, well, upright. While there are other muscle groups involved with your core, abs have a special place in eyes of world. Defined abs are a sought after symbol of good health and fine physique.
