No-Risk Abs

An illustrated guide to the anatomy of the abdominal muscles and how to tone them successfully without injury • Presents the 16 most effective and safest abdominal exercises for great abs • Reveals how common ab exercises, such as crunches, can damage the spine, pelvic floor, diaphragm, and internal organs • Offers tips to get rid of belly fat--both superficial fat and deeper visceral fat Presenting a new type of abdominal exercise program designed with the body’s anatomical relationships in mind, Blandine Calais-Germain reveals the 6 underlying principles for working the abs efficiently, 7 exercises to get you ready, and the 16 most effective and safest abdominal exercises for a flat belly. Pointing out that ab exercises are not without risk, she reviews the most common abdominal exercises, such as crunches and leg lifts, and explains how to avoid injury to the neck, lower back, pelvic floor, diaphragm, prostate, and internal organs as well as how to protect these vital structures with appropriate abdominal work. Exploring this often misunderstood region of the body in her trademark anatomical style, Calais-Germain details the muscular structures that make up the abs, revealing that strength alone is not the sole factor in a flat stomach. Including tips to get rid of belly fat--both superficial fat and deeper visceral fat--this book reveals how to get great abs, lose weight, gain strength, and build your core all without hurting yourself.

Blandine Calais-Germain is the author of the bestselling Anatomy of Movement, The Female Pelvis: Anatomy and Exercises, and Anatomy of Breathing. In addition to being a dancer and a dance teacher, she is a certified physical therapist and attended the French School of Orthopedics and Massage in Paris. Known for her innovative method for teaching the physical structures of anatomy in relation to movement, she teaches workshops to students from all over the world. She lives in Limoux, France.

Author’s Note Acknowledgments Part One What Are the Abs? Introduction The Rectus Abdominis The Broad Muscles and the Abdominal Aponeuroses The Transversus Abdominis The Internal Obliques The External Obliques Understanding Some Key Words Part Two Abdominal Strength versus a Flat Belly Evaluating the Flat Belly Flat Belly and Protruding Belly A “User’s Guide” to a Flat Belly Customized Strengthening Programs Part Three The Five Most Common Abdominal Exercises Working the Abdominals Crunches Leg Lifts Push-ups Supine Trunk Rotation Pulling In the Belly on a Forceful Exhalation Part Four Safe and Effective Exercises for Great Abs The Six “No-Risk Abs” Principles Seven “No-Risk Abs” Preparatory Exercises Sixteen “No-Risk Abs” Exercises Appendix. Important Ideas to Remember Courses in the “No-Risk Abs” Method Further Reading Index