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Most people in the US are familiar with the 8 Minute exercise series.
I actually bought the complete exercise set on DVD a few years ago, well before I went to Vietnam, so I’ve been using them for a while.
Currently, I really only use the abs DVD, and it’s been more off and on (laziness) thing, but there have definitely been months at a time where I’ve done them 3-4 times a week.
I think all of the routines are legit, just depends on you and your willingness to do it every day.
These routines are more for toning rather than becoming super strong, but you will get stronger in any muscle group you focus on as well.
It’s odd we think of 8 minutes as a short amount of time, but it’s not that short when you’re focused with these routines- the major difference you’ll notice between this and working out by yourself is you’re actually doing this for a continuous 8 minutes, and I’m sure this is where the effectiveness comes in. You’re bringing blood and muscle activity for a full 8 minutes, you’re just rotating the exact muscles you’re working on as the exercises change. Because of the rotation, you don’t get super tired- try doing straight crunches (hands behind the head, elbows in line with your shoulders) just for 2-3 minutes and see how hard that is.
From my experience with abs exercises, the main thing working out does is it pulls your stomach closer, it forms a shape for you. Of course, you should have a good diet and take care of yourself in general, but if you do the ab exercises and slim down in general, you’ll see a box (the washboard in washboard abs) start to form around your stomach. The more you do, and less fat you have there, the better you’ll look.
8 Minute Abs is better than pure straight-ahead crunches because it targets all your ab areas on the sides, upper and lower, so you have a more well-done muscle tone. Normal crunches tend to be more upper abs oriented.
If there’s a weakness to the exercise, I would see there isn’t so much focus on lower abs, or at least I don’t think they get as developed as much as the other muscles, but those are things you can work on yourself by just repeating some of the relevant exercises on the program.
Check it for yourself below:
My boyfriend does this almost everyday. I’d like to say that it works, but I think his abs have always been naturally inclined to take shape and form easier than others (and I’m talking six-pack, not a keg-shape).
Yes, I hate him for it.
Haha, unfortunately I’ve gained a bit of weight (I don’t know what a bit is), so I have a half keg on the sides with half six-pack block in the front.
It’s a bit weird.