andr0lic

Now I dont know if this is just me, as many of the board members obviously use a swiss ball, but there was a time a few years back I got into working my abs on a SB and although the contractions are insane, the SB IMHO does more harm than good for your abs. let me state my case before anyone rebuts bc I know this to be a FACT in what caused my abs distending(yes I got them back in line but it took a while). I've read this many times too so i know it's not just me.


Swiss balls actually can be used but you must carefully limit your range of motion. The reason is because when you extend past the point of parallel(to get said wicked contraction), what you're in effect doing is lengthening the muscle past it's natural(pre-set by your torso) area, and if you do this repeatedly over a period of time(esp. with a deep stretch or weights in hand), you ARE going to see distention. You'd have to be Sergio to get away with it. the extra length you add to your abdominal region will have nowhere to go, and therefore distend. it may only be slight at first and you may build up some nice solid tone to your abs, but it will most certainly catch up with you. Me personally, I will never use a smith ball again.

Decline crunches torch your abs and have no chance of causing muscle-lengthening.

Couple those with incline reverse crunches, and you have all you need to build a granite midsection. heavy squats will tone obliques - no need to work them directly.

__________________
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old time is still a-flying;
And this sweet flower that blooms today,
Tomorrow will soon be dying

Acc

Interesting point.

When you see those ab machines on the TV shopping channel, they actually say that their product is better because it allows you to move beyond the normal range of motion !! ...

Baggio

cable rotations, wood chops & reverse woodchops. These work the abdominals nicely but in a more functional way. Using swiss balls will only get you good at swiss ball exercises.

__________________
qualified personal trainer & sports massage therapist