Atypical Anti-Movement Exercises To Fortify Your Abs

Fortify your abs from the inside out with these atypical anti-movement exercises.

- Eric Velazquez

There is an astounding lack of education regarding the true purpose of the muscles in your midsection, and in the interest of achieving that ever-coveted six-pack via countless crunches and twists, standard workout programming has inadvertently marginalized some vital training techniques that can drastically reshape your waistline from the inside out — “anti-”exercises. Instead of initiating movement, these moves resist it, tapping into the deeper musculature of your midriff, giving you a sixer you never imagined and a soreness you will never forget. Add them into your routine and enjoy greater strength, fewer injuries and a tighter, smaller waist — for real.

ANTI-BODY

Traditional ab training focuses on flexion movements such as crunches. However, your abdominal musculature is actually more complex than the simple six-pack. Multiple overlapping abdominal layers work in concert to help you twist, bend and stabilize in every direction and make physical activity possible. But your abs also have another function — resisting unwanted or excessive movement. This “anti-”movement occurs when your core musculature is contracted to hold your body in a singular plane, direction or motion, stabilizing your spine and pelvis to maintain a neutral position while being acted upon by outside forces.