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"Ab Wheel Insanity"

By Geoff Kalmbach

With all the fitness gadgets, toys and fads out there these days it's no wonder why most people go about achieving a strong fit set of abs incorrectly and the Ab Wheel is no exception.

I have nightmares about the lawnmower wheel or its more famous fitness retail name the Ab wheel. I have personally witnessed people tear shoulders and blow backs a part while ?trying? to master it and herein lies the problem.

You need to have a certain level of fitness and strength before you even consider a move like the Ab Wheel calls for. Furthermore, if you?re NOT a professional rock climber or mixed martial artists what in the world are you looking to achieve from using the Ab Wheel? If the answer is rock hard abs, 8-pack, stronger core or lean out your midsection you?re wasting your time. Especially when there are dozens of alternatives that are much more effective and best of all, SAFE!

1.Swiss ball crunch

2.Reverse Swiss ball crunch

3.Stiff leg crunch

4.V-up

5.Bicycle

6.Hanging leg raise-advanced

7.Captains chair-advanced

Now I know all you AB Wheelers that religiously roll to and fro have a different opinion and that?s all fine and dandy but 95% of you are performing the move incorrectly which can lead to some potentially serious injuries that will have you out of the gym for months. Lower back, upper back; hip flexors and shoulders just to name a few are all especially vulnerable during this exercise if adequate strength is not present. (Holding a plank for 1 minute or performing PERFECT military style push-ups non-stop for at least 45 seconds would gauge adequate strength).

I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping exercise simple and safe and the Ab Wheel is NOT safe and simple. It fails to take the abdominals thru a full range of motion and the risk to reward isn?t worth it. If you?re looking to get a rock hard midsection keep it simple and stay strict on your form and don?t go overboard on the sets and reps (2 different exercises 2-3 sets each 15-18 reps). Be sure to clean up your nutrition as well as increase your activity levels to burn up stored fat and reveal those washboard abs.

About the Author:

Geoff Kalmbach is a Fitness Expert, columnist, speaker, and Certified Fitness Professional. Geoff has incorporated health and fitness into thousands of lives all over the world. Sign up for his FREE monthly newsletter at http://www.getfunctionallyfit.com