Looking for a few extra reasons to strive for a six pack? Check out the top 4 vital health facts about a lean midsection below for some additional motivation.
Live Longer: A Canadian study of more than 8,000 people over 13 years found that those with the weakest abdominal muscles had a death rate more than twice that of the people with the strongest midsections.
Lift More Weight: A stronger core supports your spine, so you can lift more weight in every exercise. Case in point: Canadian researchers found that men bench-pressed 40 percent more on a stable surface—which best supported their spines—than on an unstable surface.
Prevent Injuries: Research shows that men with the best-conditioned abdominal muscles—guys who can perform at least 73 sit-ups in 2 minutes—are five times less likely to suffer a lower-body injury than those who can knock out only 50.
Improve your Posture: Tight lower-back muscles from excessive running pull your spine out of natural alignment. Strengthening your abs can correct this muscular imbalance, improving your body’s posture to allow it to function properly
Live Longer: A Canadian study of more than 8,000 people over 13 years found that those with the weakest abdominal muscles had a death rate more than twice that of the people with the strongest midsections.
Lift More Weight: A stronger core supports your spine, so you can lift more weight in every exercise. Case in point: Canadian researchers found that men bench-pressed 40 percent more on a stable surface—which best supported their spines—than on an unstable surface.
Prevent Injuries: Research shows that men with the best-conditioned abdominal muscles—guys who can perform at least 73 sit-ups in 2 minutes—are five times less likely to suffer a lower-body injury than those who can knock out only 50.
Improve your Posture: Tight lower-back muscles from excessive running pull your spine out of natural alignment. Strengthening your abs can correct this muscular imbalance, improving your body’s posture to allow it to function properly
