Here's a "before" pic so we can compare abs definition/cuts after a few weeks:
** A sample fair-use portion of this book's workout routine is available in The Fitness Train community site.
Many people would agree that fit abs (abdominal muscles) are central to an appearance of being in-shape and healthy. In addition to their sexy appearance, strong abs improve our safety by reducing injuries and give us a lot of power in real-world strength and balancing activities.
Kurt Brungardt's highly informative book, The Complete Book of Abs, gives you all the info you need to integrate an abdominal routine into your fitness program. While focused ultimately on abs, the scope of this book includes diet, mind-body connection in training, workout and health guidelines, and injury-prevention.
One of the most useful parts of the book is the 4 levels of six-weeks length workout programs that progress you from "The Foundation" to "Washboard" and "Ultimate" Abs. Brungardt calls this "The Complete Multi-Level System," and it helps almost like having your own personal abs trainer guide you from unconditioned to defined and cut. You have to put in the work, but the personal trainer/author is very clear in showing the way to get better abs.
The last time I undertook the "Level" program in Brungardt's book, I completed "Level 1: The Foundation," the first six-week level. I'm ready to try it again, and this time I would hope to complete at least the first three levels. This review will continue over the next few months as I blog and comment while working through this abs program.
Stay Tuned for updates:
** Jump to newest post - Tue. July 6, 2010 **
Mon. June 21, 2010 - Started. Day 1, Week 1 of the six-week "The Foundation" from Brungardt's Multi-Level abs workout program.
Here's a "before" pic so we can compare abs definition/cuts after a few weeks:
Tue. June 22, 2010 - Day 2 done. I'm definitely feeling the burn. The three different exercises work several ab areas (upper and lower abs, and obliques) evenly. I woke up this morning with surprising ab soreness, but they warmed up quickly and felt pretty good for today's workout.
Tue. July 6, 2010 -
This past 4th of July weekend, I spent a couple of days on the beach in Newport, RI. Even at this very early stage, I felt an improved flat stomach even right after food and beer, though the cuts are not showing much more yet. I'm only half way through Week 2. I'm hoping to get a visible six pack in the upcoming weeks or months. I'll keep working.
You can see all the workouts I have completed: The Fitness Train profile for Sruthan. I finished Level-1-Week-1 ten days ago and today my abs workout was Week-2-Day-2 which I have repeated a few times to try to perfect my form.
I'm going to try using my medicine ball/exercise ball to add weight and help me add strength through resistence. I think this will improve my form and effectiveness with Brungardt's routines. It feels like a great workout for lower abs to perform leg lifts holding the 8 lb. ball with bare feet:
Purchase link coming soon for your convenience.
Tags: abs, complete book of abs, abdominal muscles, how to get a six pack, crunches, get abs, home training, definition, strength, fitness, workout, stomach exercises