Your Abs & Muscle Activation

Medical researchers have found that the faster the abdominal movements are performed, the greater the abdominal muscles activation. Researchers have also found that slower speeds commonly recommended in fitness magazines did not engage as many abdominal muscles as movements that were performed faster. So why did the faster movements activate more muscles than the slower ones? The faster movement required higher muscle activation in order to be performed rapidly.

For example, look at the muscle definition and shape of a sprinter compared to the thin legs of an endurance runner .The difference is the sprinter requires high muscle activation and force to move that fast, where as the endurance runner performs slow, repetitive movements for a long period of time.

The faster the exercise is preformed the greater the muscle activation. The same principles can be applied to training other major muscles; performing faster movements results in higher muscle activation.  Many individuals may be surprised by this method, but this is not the first study to report faster abdominal movements resulting in greater muscle activation.

The key is to keep the abdominal workout quick and intense.  At Steel Fitness many of these important principles are executed during our inspiring fitness classes.  We offer you the best possible workout in the least amount of time.  This method is not easy however, but the payoff is strength and physical health that will benefit you throughout your life time.  It’s easy to become discouraged at first; however, just like anything in life, the more you practice the better you will adjust.  This particular philosophy should be used when trying a new and exciting abdominal regimen or variations of intensity.

Written by John Stefanowicz