What comes to your mind when I say the word “abs”? Do you think of the infomercials advertising “6 second abs” or the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue?

Most people focus on training their abs to look thinner or sexier. But, do you realize the importance of your abs in everyday activities, not to mention while doing Judo!

Your abs attach to your spine and pelvis, helping balance your back in good posture. Often times, when your back is not supported in the correct posture by your abdominals and back muscles, back pain occurs.

This is not something to be taken lightly. So remember — one of the best ways to prevent back pain is to strengthen your abs.

It often takes a conscious effort to sit in good posture. But, even if you get into a good sitting posture, you will need the abdominal and back endurance to maintain it!

How are you sitting at your computer right now? I would bet most of you are sitting in a slumped posture? Some more than others. To sit in good posture, you should have a slight inward curve in your back with your ears directly over your shoulders.

Without abdominal strength, you will have difficulty sitting, standing and walking. Your center of gravity is located at your sacrum or roughly just below your belly button. Therefore, your abs play an important part in keeping you balanced at your center of gravity. How often has someone entered for a technique or tried to twist you off balance at Judo but you felt your abs tighten and stop you twisting further?

After missing out on the 2012 Olympics I had a few weeks off training but when I came back I noticed that my abs got a huge workout…and the day after training my core was smashed.

At the time I remember thinking how vital it is to do core strengthening exercises a few days per week.

Doing core movements will help you generate more power when throwing. This is because a lot of power starts in the legs and comes up through your core into your arms. With a weak core your power is extremely limited because your core cannot handle it.

Thats why many people lift their opponent in the air with an ippon seoi nage and fall face first into the mat – it’s usually because their core is too weak and cannot handle the load.

The stronger your core is the better your Judo will come….and thats a fact.

This proves that our abdominals are important for our balance.

Here is a great core program you can do:

3 sets of

15 Hanging leg raises

15 Barbell Rollouts

15 Barbell twists

For more great core strengthening movements I urge you to download a copy of BJJ ABS. BJJ guys spend a lot of time with  their abs turned on so they know how to work the core.

In Ken’s book he breaks down loads of awesome core strengthening exercises to not only strengthen your core, but assists in injury prevention as well.