Co-eds all over America exercise day and night to get sexy six-pack abs. Though most do it to garner the attention from those of the opposite sex, college football players strive to get a hard stomach for other reasons. Generally, tighter abs will produce faster, stronger, and more agile athletes. That is why it is vital for the abdominals to not be neglected in exercise. When working out, it is important for the football player to work the abs just as he would with every other muscle on the body.
Features
It takes a lot of hard work and self-control to obtain strong healthy abs. Doing crunches alone isn't the answer. A blend of cardio, diet and exercise is the best approach to achieve optimal results. Of greater importance for football players is having a strong core: the abdominal, back and side muscles. Strength and conditioning coaches in college football have their athletes perform exercises that strengthen the core.
Function
By achieving a strong core and subsequently strong abs, you are able to function better in a number of categories including flexion, bending the upper part of your body towards your waist; extension, or straightening the body; lateral flexion, which is a bending movement on the sides of the body; rotation, which helps the body with torque and twist; and compression, which is stabilizing your entire core. These strengthened functions translate on the gridiron by being able to change direction, bend over backwards, evade your opponent or brace yourself to take a hit according to Ben Black, writer for Bodybuilding.com.
Types
Because there are five major categories to enhance when working out, it is vital to exercise all parts of your core. To improve flexion, try weighted crunches, hanging leg raises and linear medicine ball throws. For extension, back extensions and dead lifts are ideal. Side bends and windmill movements improve lateral flexion. Twist crunches and medicine ball rotation throws help in rotation. For compression, side bridges and planks improve stabilization.
Expert Insight
Former college football player and 1982 Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker did not even touch weights until he made it to the NFL. Instead, Walker relied heavily on push-ups, sit-ups and sprints to be one of the most conditioned athletes ever. Walker credits his well-toned abs to doing thousands of push-ups and sit-ups every day. Because this may be out of reach for most people, just realize that whatever number of ab exercises you do, maintain proper technique. Referring to the standard military push-up, Walker says, "Keeping good form assures that the abs will receive tons of stimulation. You can develop a tremendous set of abs from this one exercise alone, if done properly."
Considerations
Many experts claim to have workout plans that promise the best results. For most athletes, no matter what plan you choose, it is important to not overtrain your abdominals. Like the rest of your muscles, abs need rest and recovery time to get stronger. Do not sacrifice heavier or harder exercises for form and technique. It is better to get less repetitions that are controlled than to perform many that are not working your abs as much.
Member Comments