Bod Squad: Abs
Go beyond crunches for bikini-ready abs.
By Wing Sze Tang
Photography by Maja Hajduk. Styled by Jordan Porter
The Trainer
“My background is dance, so that sets my standard for form, focus and diligence at an all-time high. I am all about the work,” says certified personal trainer Marci Figuer, owner of the just-opened Detox Club (574 Eglinton Ave. W., 2nd floor, Toronto). In her five years in the body-shaping biz, she has taught everything from aerobics and Pilates to weight training—a well-rounded repertoire that reflects her drive to uncover what’s new. “I love new challenges, so I am always looking for the next flavour.”
Most common mistake
Straining the neck while trying to speed through hundreds of crunches is a classic problem. “A lot of people will crank their neck and not curl or lift their upper bodies to get to the abs. They’re just lifting their neck and slightly rolling their shoulders forward,” says Figuer. “But it’s always about the proper form.”
Tool time
“Ab gadgets? Personally not for me,” says Figuer. “Do you really need to invest, or is it because you feel it is a magic little pill that will get you that flat stomach? There are no short cuts, unless you go the cosmetic surgery way.”
Signature nutrition tip
“Do not think that just because you work out you will get ripped, unless your genetic makeup dictates it.” The key is in the nutrition, says Figuer, when you’re trying to reach the goal of having more lean muscle mass than body fat. She advocates an “eating close to the farm” approach high in veggies, fruits and fish.
Underneath it all
Your abs are made up of four distinct muscles, meaning there’s more than meets the eye. “You have many overlapping arrangements and varying fibre direction. These muscles are not just front and centre but wrap around the sides,” Figuer explains. So instead of spot training with marathon crunches, she advocates shaping the abs by moving as much muscle as possible.
Essential moves
For Figuer, the best exercises are the ones that move lots of muscle and create strength, power, proprioception (the sense of position or movement) and flexibility. Try holding a medicine ball and twisting your body left and right while performing a squat. “You’re using your legs and upper body, and you’re working all your abs,” she explains. Another great exercise: Kneel on a stability ball while someone throws you a light medicine ball; catch and return it, then repeat.
Makeup by Evgeny for Ford; pedicure by Nicole Leblanc for Plutino group/Taupe Salon & Spa. Swimsuit by OMO Norma Kamali. Necklaces by Angie Gooderham at Holt Renfrew
First published in FASHION Magazine June 2008
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Deborah writes:
For the most part interesting, but I was disappointed with the Ab section. The comment is "go beyond crunches," & yet aside from the medicine ball(who has one of those?!) what are the excercises "beyond crunches?"
—posted July 16, 2008 at 9:15 a.m.
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