Are Cardio Workouts for Abs Necessary?

For years aspiring exercise buffs have been asking “are cardio workouts for abs necessary”?

There are many on either side of this fence but I am wondering if most are asking the wrong question…

The one camp has a hard time spending 30-60 minutes on a treadmill or exercise bike when they could be crunching their abs or doing some dead lifts.

While the other side feel they haven’t burned the bulge unless they work up an adequate lather.

My question is this…

If cardio is simply getting your heart rate to a certain level and keeping it there for a set period of time does it matter what exercises are used to accomplish this?

I argue “how it’s done” is irrelevant so why not use strength building exercises with less weight (so you can do more reps) with shorter rest periods (so the heart rate stays in the target range) and build your strength while working up a sultry sweat?

For some specific exercise that work well with this ab sculpting model check out my Cardio Workouts for Abs Necessary article.

What do most people think of when you say “most effective ab exercises“?

Sit-ups…crucnhes…leg lifts…right?

Do these work?

Yes!

So, why the article?

I would like to offer some more effective options that are metabolism boosting high intensity exercises working your whole body while giving your abs a killer burn.

I’m going to offer you a great ab routine without one direct ab exercise.

It is similar to a super set but it alternates between 3 ab exercises.

1. Is called the renegade dumbbell row

2. Are front squats with a barbell

3. Mountain climber on the floor

(I give full details of the exercises in my article 3 Most Effective Ab Exercises that Aren’t Direct Ab Exercises)

Basically you want to do 3 or 4 sets of 8 repetitions for each exercise or an alternative is to do more sets with less reps.

You will want to rest approximately 30 seconds after each exercise and rest 1 to 2 minutes after each set.

For full details of the exercises click here 3 Most Effective Ab Exercises that Aren’t Direct Ab Exercises

Trying to build muscle mass is no easy task even if you are already on a dedicated workout program, are eating properly and using muscle building supplements.

If you are putting in the time and energy you might as well be doing the most effective exercises to achieve the lean sculpted body of your dreams.

Here are 3 great ways to build muscle faster and get lean and ripped:

1. It is important a high percentage (90-95%) of your regular exercise are big multi-joint compound exercises. (Full details available in the article link below)

2. You want your weight training to be hard and intense, typically 3 or 4 times per week, at least 45 minutes but not longer than 60 minutes to experience fast muscle mass gain.

3.  Make sure your diet consists of quality whole foods.

To keep this post short I just gave you the hi-lites… if you want more details on these 3 important tips see my article 3 Important Ways to Build Muscle Faster – Get Lean and Ripped