Abs are NOT made in the kitchen
Does diet matter if I want really nice abs?
Of course it does, but having a strong core is important too.
Your core is like any other muscle - if you want to strengthen it you have to work it. Having a strong core improves your overall fitness. Just think about all the ways you engage your core - running, jumping, lifting, everything!
I recently came upon some medical studies in my Masters of Nutrition program looking at core strength/stability and prevention of injury. One study showed the injury incidence rate ratio was decreased by 40% in the group that performed core strengthening exercises versus a control group which did not perform these exercises. This is a staggering statistic and points to the importance of core exercises.
I specifically focus on my core for 7 minutes, 3x/week.
Anybody can carve out just 21 minutes per week. Do it when you are sitting down to watch tv or waiting for your dinner to cook!
Here is my 7 minute core workout (Do each exercise for 1 minute):
Plank (on hands or elbows)
Sit-ups
Right side plank
Left side plank
Bicycle crunches
Leg raise/lower
Plank
Can you commit to 21 minutes a week?? Do it for the ABS!