photo credit: jontunn
The New Rules of Lifting for Abs is probably one of the most informative and helpful fitness books I've had the pleasure to read. I have come across the prior New Rules for Lifting books but have never had the opportunity to read them. All of them are authored by Lou Schuler and Alwyn Cosgrove.
About the Authors
Lou Schuler is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and author of five popular books focused on diet and strength training. He is also the former director of Men's Health magazine and has appeared on dozens of national television programs such as the CBS Early Show and Fox Midday News.
Alwyn Cosgrove is a personal trainer and owner of Results Fitness in Santa Clarita, California. He has coached Olympic and national level athletes as well as professionals and top amateurs in sports such as boxing, mixed martial arts, soccer, bodybuilding, and more.
No Crunches? What?
It is natural to assume that a book about abs would include information about performing crunches. Well, forget crunches here. The authors will explain why crunches may actually make issues worse for your back and neck. Rather than focus on crunches, the workouts in this book revolve around core stability and endurance. You will learn more about your core muscles and why working on them in an effective manner will do more for your abs than focusing on exercises like crunches and sit-ups.
The Program
Not only will you not perform any crunches, you will only need to workout just three hours per week. However, don't think that it is some easy routine because these are full-body workouts and you'll likely want a full day of recovery in between each workout. The program consists of a four-part workout to include:
- Dynamic warm-up
- Core training (increase stability, endurance, and strength)
- Strength training
- Metabolic training (cardio)
Equipment
The great thing about the workouts in this book is that it is both home-friendly and can be done in the gym. The equipment needed is affordable and the authors provide low-cost alternatives if you don't want to purchase what they recommend. Some of the equipment recommended include stability ball, barbell, dumbbells, elastic bands, and kettlebells.
Who this Book isn't For
The authors make it clear that this book isn't for bodybuilders, powerlifters, or high-level competitive athletes. If you are looking to lose fat using intense workouts and learning about the proper nutrition to go with it, then you'll get a lot out of this book.
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The New Rules of Lifting for Abs: A Myth-Busting Fitness Plan for Men and Women Who Want a Strong Core and a Pain-Free Back
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I think that crunches are essential on any fitness program, but I also think that water and cardiovascular exercises are also vital to tighten your abs. I say that because the fat between the muscle and the skin is the fat that you want to get rid off. And the only way of doing that is by burning as much fat as you can.
That first part I agree with you there. Crunches maybe good for the upper part of your abs. but does nothing for the part that really matters the lower part near the navel. leg raises are good for this. Doing leg raises for the first time will show you what was wrong with your abs. As for the last part burning fat well that’s true but if you have weak core muscles whats the point. Get the diet right, do the exercise and then the results will come.
Crunches are the most over used exercise in fitness. Worst than that is that they don’t produce the results people expect from them. Don’t waste your time on crunches and use a more integrated fitness program and you will see better results faster.
It is interesting to read people’s viewpoints on crunches. I’ve read before how they are not the best exercise for the abs.
I am glad to see a any fitness program that does not need a full blown gym. From experience crunches were just not that successful.
Love hearing all the different views on the Ab Crunches! I tried them all (okay well most) and Love using the weight ball for my crunches…just got to remember to do them now ; ) !
CHEERS!
I really need to get this. I thought the NROL for women was excellent, and didn’t advise all the usual rubbish you see in women’s magazines. Looks like it’s more of the good stuff in here.
Looks like great stuff!
Well I have to agree with the author about crunches and don’t forget sit-ups. There is a little pain while doing them but they also are for people that has abs already. There really for strengthen your six pack. For people looking to lose some belly fat they need to stay away from crunches and sit-ups and focus on dieting and doing workouts that will burn calories.