The Science of Building Core Strength

Nice abs and a strong core are pretty high on most people's wish list. But when it comes to training the core, we somehow throw out the fundamental, science-based exercise principles that govern skeletal muscle exercise adaptations. Think about it. If you wanted bigger quads and I told you we were only doing wall squats, you'd look at me like I was crazy. That's exactly what’s happening with your core when all you’re doing is planks and 3 sets of crunches. The size principle matters here. If you're never generating high levels of force, large portions of your motor units never get recruited — and what doesn't get recruited doesn't get stronger. Fatigue and burning are not the same as force production.