Abdominal strength testing article at T-Nation

[Garrett Smith]

Recently posted, not WFS due to bikini pics:
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_...our_abs_really

I thought it was an interesting article. I tried both tests out immediately after reading it.

Any "ab" training I do is part of gymnastics strength training. In my self-assessment, I passed both Level 4 tests.

While this could be a valuable screening tool, I found it interesting in the article that the author basically says to "train for the test". I don't think that is necessary or advisable.

Any thoughts? Anyone else try out the tests?

[Brandon Oto]

These are so easy I feel like I must be missing something.

[Chuck Kechter]

^+1

??

[George Mounce]

Originally Posted by Brandon Oto

These are so easy I feel like I must be missing something.

Me too, is this a joke?

[Garrett Smith]

Maybe BBers abs are really that weak in general.

There's only so much that crunches will do for someone...

[Jonathan Dunn]

Garrett,

As soon as I read that article yesterday, I got down on the floor to test myself. The tests were easy... all 4 levels. I think all the abdominal training/programming we do, along with the OHS, snatches, C&Js and other total body movements has prepared us well. I think Nick (I believe that is the author of the article) really geared the article towards the BB guys and gals that train body parts in isolation. He even mentioned that a competitive BB could not pass Level 1, but the T-Nation editor did and made it up to Level 3.

I think the test could be valuable training exercises for those that aren't used to doing the movements we do. I also think that the exercises Coach Everett has programmed for us smoke the tests, as they are much more demanding when performed correctly and under load. In a way, we are training for the "tests". With our snatches, C&Js, squats, deadlifts, presses or whatever competitive movement we are doing, we are training the test movements. And it is way more fun doing what we do than doing set after mindless set for your upper back, mid back, lower back, upper pecs, etc, ad naseum (I know, I used to do all that nonsense). I much prefer the functional training and lifting done now. It is fun!!!

[Brian DeGennaro]

I was hoping to see GHD situps or HLRs or L-sits in there after I saw the title and read it yesterday. I was sorely disappointed with the article because it really just offered you a situp variation and a reverse crunch variation that aren't very difficult.

I still think GHD situps coupled with HLRs/L-sits are the best "core" exercises; you don't need to do much anything else because no matter how good at them you get, they ALWAYS suck.

[Mike ODonnell]

They going to start selling a new ab strength supplement? OHS in pill form?

[Chris Rice]

Well - that was a waste of time. All I learned from that is that there must be some very weak people out there.

[Garrett Smith]

Chris, you could turn it positive and realize you're much stronger than much of the populace...

MOD, that was funny...and sad...