Ab workouts are a waste of time. Core muscle exercises are better for your overall health.

More than abs, core muscles are more powerful than abs. Why? Strong core muscles help you perform everyday tasks more easily. Many people don't realize what core muscles are. People mistakenly believe that a strong core is reflected in a flat stomach and well-sculpted abs, which are unrealistic body images.

This article will help you understand what your core is and what core exercises you should be doing.

What are core muscles?

Your core is the group of muscles located in your midsection. Your core is your stomach, belly, mid- and lower back, hips and glutes (butt muscle). Your transverse abdominis and multifidus, pelvic floors muscles, pelvic floor muscles (rectus abdominis), erector spinae and diaphragm are the major core muscles.

It's easy to see why the core is so important for your everyday health and sports performance.

Why is strong core muscle important

Your core muscles are used in nearly every activity. Your core muscles are essential for lifting things, maintaining proper posture, and generating power when running or other activities. A strong core muscle can reduce the risk of lower back pain and especially lower back pain.

Every activity you do relies on your core muscles so make sure to do core exercises!

Why ab workouts are a waste of time

This post doesn't mention building flat stomachs or washboard abs. Many people think core muscles are the same thing as abs. Although a mythologically strong set of abs is a sign that you have strong core muscles, it doesn't necessarily mean you will get abs.

Images of celebrities and superfit people are constantly bombarded with. Many people believe that having abs is a sign of beauty and health. However, being able to see your abs is mostly due to low body fat, ab exercises that don’t build functional muscles, and even dangerous activities like intentional dehydration.

Abs workouts such as crunches, sit-ups and crunches only tone the abdominal muscles. These workouts do not build functional muscle, the kind you need to be pain-free and do things like pick up kids or set a PR in your next half marathon. Abs workouts can actually strain weak back muscles which can cause severe back pain and even injury.

Do not waste your time on vanity ab exercises and workouts. Instead, use the following exercises to build functional core strength that you can actually use.

How to really get a flat stomach

You really want to have a flat stomach, even though you should be focusing on building core muscle. Here are some ways you can achieve it in a short time.

Crash diet rather than eating right.

Hydrate yourself rather than trying to eliminate belly bloat and drink enough water.

Perform ab exercises that do not actually build muscle.

Ask a professional photographer for photos of you in optimal lighting conditions, while you're oiled up and frozen outside.

Are any of these things realistic, sustainable, fun, or healthy? Do not confuse vanity with health. You don't have to look good. Just because your abs are visible doesn't mean that you are strong or healthy. Instagram abs are a waste. Instead, build strong core muscles and chest muscles.

Why rock-hard abs are not essential

Flat stomachs and abs are common body images that we fall for. We should not be focusing on the images of fit and healthy people we see in the media. Do not focus on vanity muscles, but building core muscles that will improve your life. Hopefully these tips help you build the strong core muscles you are looking for.