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Benefit of the ASP over other exercises
Definition
The core muscles are the superficial and deep spinal extensors muscles, abdominal
muscles, pelvic floor muscles, and shoulder girdle and hip girdle muscles. Core
muscle strength is defined by the strength of core muscles in terms of how much
weight or resistance a muscle can lift, how many repetitions a muscle can perform,
or how long a muscle can hold a neutral stable position.
Lying Flat
When training the core muscles while lying flat on the floor or on a bench, the
lumbar area of the spine flattens out and loses its curvature. This equates to 10-15
degrees of flexion and 30-50% of the range of motion being lost before the exercise
even begins. This is because the lumbar spine is already flexed and becomes unable
and ineffective at capturing tension or load on the abdominal muscles throughout
the rest of the range of motion. The range of motion predominately comes from the
thoracic and cervical spine instead of from the lumbar spine, only allowing for
26 degrees of spinal flexion to occur. The result is ineffective core training,
neck tension, and twice the amount of time spent doing too many repetitions, none
of which produce increased abdominal strength or overall improvement in spinal range
of motion.
Absolute Six-Pack™
Training the core muscles with the Absolute Six-Pack™ puts the whole body (the pelvis
and spine) in the ideal or correct position for capturing 100% range of motion and
100% recruitment and stimulation of the core abdominal muscles. While lying on the
Absolute Six-Pack™ the lumbar area of the spine is supported and maintained in its
natural and neutral curvature. The position of the lumbar spine on the Absolute
Six-Pack™ captures the 12 degrees of flexion that is lost if lying flat, and now
allows the spine to flex to 44 degrees, nearly doubling the range of motion. Each
spinal joint is now able to complete a full range of motion, stimulating the core
abdominal muscles to contract and flex the spine at 100%. This is the most effective
and ideal way to stimulate and recruit the entire core abdominal muscles, eliminating
unnecessary strain on the neck and unwanted lower back tension. The result is increased
abdominal strength and stability through fewer repetitions.