Programming Abdominal Training, Part II

Just like the other aspects of training, abdominal work should be periodized. Periodizing abdominal work allows the athlete to prepare for optimal performance improvement, to prepare for a peak or climax to the training, and to develop a muscular development base by advancing from general training to specific training (2, 8). Through the quantification of training (volume, intensity, and load) and the steady, progressive manipulation of those variables, periodization of abdominal training prepares an athlete to improve his or her performance over time (7). Periodization allows an athlete to peak at the appropriate time and prevents overtraining. Athletes are not able to remain at peak fitness year-round. It is important to put the training together so that athletes are in their best shape when they need to be (4, 7, 8). With periodized training, the athlete advances from general, multilateral development to focus more on sports-specific training. This allows him or her to develop a fitness base in terms of strength, endurance, and motor skills before requiring more advanced exercises. This foundation is valuable both for preventing injuries from training and for laying the foundation to master new motor skills (4, 7, 8).