Thank you Cathe and ABD question

[fourmommy]

Cathe
First of all I want to say thank you for jump starting my work out routine. I have done at home workouts before but just kind of got burned out and then found you and decided to take a shot. This was about 3 weeks ago and I now have basic step, drill max, hardcore extreme, butt and gutts, pyramid upper and lower body and soon in the mail boot camp and muscle endurance. I am so hooked and love your variety, premixes, superb cuing and smooth flow in your workouts. You are encouraging and positive. Not annoying like some...my husband even likes you and says "she is the best instructor I have heard you workout to".

One question I have is about working the abds. I had read somewhere that you should not work them until you have lost some weight and that this is just wasting your time? Doesn't seem quite right to me. I do have quite a bit of weight to lose (about 70# yet to go have lost 30# so far) but it seems like I should still work my abds. I know I won't have a six pack next week. What's your thoughts on this and what is biggest advice in working the abds?

Thanks again for your help and thanks for making high quality workouts.

 

[maddiesmum]

I would have thought that since weight training can assist with weight loss for the over weight, working the abs/core should not be a muscle group excluded from this. No, you won't see the underlying muscles until abdominal fat is lost, but that shouldn't stop you from working them.

Clare

 

[kathryn]

That seems like strange advice to me.
If for no other reason, you should work abs (and entire core) to reduce the risk of back problems.

 

[dorothyrd]

I agree with Kathyrn. Think about working out your muscles to get stronger, prevent injuries more than to lose weight and you will become a lifelong exerciser. Core work is important for stabilizing everything in your body for day to day activities. You want them strong, don't wait until you lose weight to work them.

 

[fourmommy]

thanks for everyone's response. Yeah it makes sense to work them and worry less about weight loss and more about feeling better and being stronger. Thanks again for all your help ya'll.

Beth