To get the most out of a sit up the abdominals must go from a position of maximal length to a position of minimal length.
Abmat sit ups without abmat.
None the abmat sit ups as the name suggests is a simple sit ups variation performed by placing the abmat a core training accessory under your lower back.
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Without an abmat the back is arched and in an unsafe position.
It s a great tool for a variety of exercises that isolate the upper and or lower abs as well as the oblique s and lower back muscles.
Let us now examine the sit up redefined.
For those who are used to ab exercises such as standard crunches sit ups the abmat will make it feel like a new exercise.
The back is arched in an unsafe position and momentum is what finishes the movement.
This is achieved by creating two pivot points one in the spine and another in the pelvis.
In my experience so far i can say the number of repetitions with the abmat versus standard crunches sit ups is about half at least in the beginning.
Without an abmat the flat surface of the floor doesn t allow for the spine to fully extend making it impossible to obtain full range of motion.
It can even be used for exercising the obliques.
Crossfit seminar staff member julie foucher demonstrates the abmat situp.
Abmat collection the abmat is an abdominal exerciser and core trainer designed for athletes that desire an all inclusive abdominal muscle group workout.
To do the correct movement lay flat on your back with an abmat or rolled up towel under your lower back.
Momentum not a legitimate contraction is what finishes the movement in a traditional sit up.
In the old sit up the feet are anchored and the hip flexors do much of the work.
Like every pad with the abmat name the wise crack is contoured to tilt the spine and enable a full extension of the abdominals at the beginning of a sit up not possible on a flat surface alone.
It also stabilizes the pelvis as you rise up allowing the abs to fully contract.
Jason talks about the benefits of using the abmat during a situp.
An improper device will not give the proper support bend the knees about 45 with heals on the floor.