As bathing suit season approaches, it’s normal to start thinking about how to lean out and tone your midsection. But is chasing “6-pack abs” the smartest way to train your core?
At PI, we’re all for helping you reach your aesthetic goals—but we also want to make sure your workouts are building more than just surface-level strength. A truly strong core doesn’t just look good—it supports your spine, improves posture, enhances performance, and helps prevent injuries.
Let’s take core training as a case study:
To reveal a defined midsection, you’ll need a combination of smart nutrition (check out these 3 blog posts) and purposeful core training. That means building strength and stability first, with optional ab-isolation work sprinkled in for that satisfying “burn.”
This Blog Series Will Guide You Through 3 Mini Core Workouts:
Each one targets a key component of a strong, functional, and aesthetic core.
Workout 1: McGill Big 3
This is where we start. These foundational movements—bird dog, side plank, and curl-up—can be performed by nearly everyone, regardless of experience. They teach you how to properly brace your core, setting the stage for safer, more effective workouts across the board.
Workout 2: Functional Core Challenge
This workout builds on the bracing you learned in Workout 1. Here, we’ll introduce unilateral (one-sided) exercises like loaded carries that mimic real-life challenges—think: hauling groceries, carrying a suitcase, or lifting your kid. These moves translate directly into a stronger, more capable body.
Workout 3: Focused “6-Pack” Burn
Now we earn that burn! These are your classic rectus abdominis (aka “6-pack”) movements—simple, direct, and scalable. I’ll show you two staple exercises with progressions and regressions, so you can challenge yourself at the right level.
Why Not Start With 6-Pack Exercises?
Great question! Here’s why we don’t start with crunches:
Nutrition still rules. You can train your abs all day, but if they’re hidden under layers of fat due to poor dietary habits, you won’t see them.
Injury risk. A weak functional core can leave you vulnerable to injury. And nothing ruins vacation like a tweaked back from a poorly executed sit-up routine.
These short core circuits can be added into your current training routine or performed as standalone workouts. Even if you’re a PI client who’s done the McGill Big 3 before, you might pick up new tips—like how to better activate your obliques to make every rep more effective.
Stay tuned for Workout #1 next week!
Want to stay consistent with a program tailored to your goals and fitness level—while training in a fun, supportive group? That’s exactly what we do best at PI. Ask us how to get started in our Small Group Semi-Private Training program. It’s a more affordable alternative to 1-on-1 training, with many of the same benefits.