On the quest for 6 pack abs since she knew what they were, Vv Magazine’s Libby Roach taps into the fitness scene and digs deep to uncover the answer on abs.
Long prized on the sexy anatomy checklist (that’s a thing right?), 6 pack abs have been intertwined with being attractive since Britney was still wearing a school uniform. While genetics and weight surely have a ton to do with it, those that didn’t inherit instant abs can still work towards flaunting a toned tummy. Diet and hydration are key components to jump-starting the process, but you won’t get anywhere without getting down and a little dirty.
Amber Joliat from MISFITSTUDIO takes a metaphysical approach to the goal of getting abs, “The language around it for me is really important, I try, when describing it not to call it abs, and really focus on the fact that this is the core. The core of your being. If this can be something that provides more internal strength, as opposed to superficial strength, then there is a deeper sense of being stronger in everything you do, whether you apply it to walking, sitting, dance, swimming, long distance running, everything you do ultimately can benefit if you have a strong internal core.”
ADVERTISEMENT |
Her Fusion classes bring devotees of her practice, a blend of yoga, dance, and Pilates, but she shies away from labeling it, preferring to call it a “Dynamic movement experience – It feels like an art form to me.”
Working through a vigorous set of planks, ball work and rotational twists the abs take the brunt of this workout, just the way every workout should be. High reps and slow paces fire up the core, and as Amber highlights “you’re getting that deep isometric work you truly feel like your abs are on the whole practice, instead of just doing a few crunches at the end or something. It’s so weird to me that crunches end up at the end of a workout, like an afterthought. “
Her classes focus on the holy trinity of muscles – the concentric, eccentric, and isometric groups get special attention, working them systematically and in all different ways and different paces to get things fired up.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Two classes in, and I’m a convert. Not only does Fusion leave your core burning but it feels like a therapy session too. Flipping to my yoga brain I’m reminded of the Shavasana breathing finale Breath of Fire, the art of quickly breathing in and out, detoxifying with each breath. Amber’s class rifts on this lesson here too – with exhales feeling rather cathartic. This breathing exercise is easy to integrate into your everyday. “We can actually connect to our abdominals through breath; it’s like this real core connection. As you inhale feel everything expand, as you exhale feel everything contract and pull in” offers Amber. Ab workouts on the fly, just by breathing? Count us in.
Building up the muscles that you rely on for the most basic activities seems like a no brainer, but still seems secondary for most workouts. Abs ignited, I definitely felt stronger in the core, but really, I just felt stronger overall.
Check out Amber’s Fusion class at MISFITSTUDIO, on Queen Street West and Ossington.
RELATED LINK: 10 Unique Gym Classes You Can Take in Toronto
Do you have any advice for achieving abs? Let us know in the comment section or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.
ADVERTISEMENT |