The Sylvester Stallone abs workout represents a real back-to-basics attack on the midsection. Today you'll learn how to perform this entire routine in your local gym or even at home. However, going back to basics doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be a walk in the park.
Despite much hype and speculation about which exercises Sly used to develop his abdominal area, the fact is things were actually kept very basic and straightforward in the gym. Below is a guide to each of the exercises in his core routine.
Part 1: Crunches.
Aim for 3 x 15. The trick with crunches is to get the tempo correct. While most people are happy to blast through hundreds of these in double quick time, the results can be improved by simply focusing on every rep and concentrating on the squeeze at the top of each repetition.
Part 2: Oblique Crunches.
Two sets of 30 reps on each side. Straight after the regular crunches end, transition into this variation which focuses almost entirely on the obliques and helps to develop a stronger, more muscular core in minimal time.
Exercise 3: Hanging Knee Raises.
Perform two sets of ten reps here. Be sure to avoid the common mistake of ending the move before it becomes full effective. Many people stop when they reach a ninety degree angle, which basically turns this into an exercise for the hip flexors instead of the lower stomach.
Move 4: Side Twists.
3 sets of 10 reps on each side. Stallone credits his 'Rambo abs' to this one particular move. Again switching the focus from the center of the stomach to the obliques which run down the side, the broomstick twist its literally as straightforward as it sounds. To increase the difficulty, try doing this move on a decline bench.
Move 5: Roll-Outs.
Perform a single set of 30 reps. A move which will really test your core strength, the abdominal wheel has been a favorite in bodybuilding gyms for decades already. By forcing you to roll as far forward as you can without losing your balance, you'll feel every single muscle in your midsection developing in real time during this set.
A routine which has stood the test of time, the Sylvester Stallone abs workout is something which presents a very difficult challenge even for those with reasonable core strength. Be sure to scale down the workload if you need to, working your way up to the full routine as you feel ready to do so.
Despite much hype and speculation about which exercises Sly used to develop his abdominal area, the fact is things were actually kept very basic and straightforward in the gym. Below is a guide to each of the exercises in his core routine.
Part 1: Crunches.
Aim for 3 x 15. The trick with crunches is to get the tempo correct. While most people are happy to blast through hundreds of these in double quick time, the results can be improved by simply focusing on every rep and concentrating on the squeeze at the top of each repetition.
Part 2: Oblique Crunches.
Two sets of 30 reps on each side. Straight after the regular crunches end, transition into this variation which focuses almost entirely on the obliques and helps to develop a stronger, more muscular core in minimal time.
Exercise 3: Hanging Knee Raises.
Perform two sets of ten reps here. Be sure to avoid the common mistake of ending the move before it becomes full effective. Many people stop when they reach a ninety degree angle, which basically turns this into an exercise for the hip flexors instead of the lower stomach.
Move 4: Side Twists.
3 sets of 10 reps on each side. Stallone credits his 'Rambo abs' to this one particular move. Again switching the focus from the center of the stomach to the obliques which run down the side, the broomstick twist its literally as straightforward as it sounds. To increase the difficulty, try doing this move on a decline bench.
Move 5: Roll-Outs.
Perform a single set of 30 reps. A move which will really test your core strength, the abdominal wheel has been a favorite in bodybuilding gyms for decades already. By forcing you to roll as far forward as you can without losing your balance, you'll feel every single muscle in your midsection developing in real time during this set.
A routine which has stood the test of time, the Sylvester Stallone abs workout is something which presents a very difficult challenge even for those with reasonable core strength. Be sure to scale down the workload if you need to, working your way up to the full routine as you feel ready to do so.
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More info: Popular online personal trainer Russ Howe PTI helps many people how to build leaner physiques in the gym each day. See the complete guide to the full sylvester stallone abs workout for free on his website.
