When you consider the importance of IAP in Squats, Olifts… Is core training still useless?

May 26 (edited) in Training

@Angus and anyone interested: what’s your take on IAP (Intra Abdominal Pressure)?

I’ve heard Angus say don’t do core training, train the core muscles through their range and function (back extensions, toes to bar, side flexion and torsion)

But that won’t necessarily help you improve your ability to maintain IAP during your sets. As much as McGill is old school and hated these days, I think his point that core endurance is more important than core strength is very relevant in the context of maintaining IAP during a whole workout, whether it be SBD, Olifts, or even bodybuilding.

Here a little experiment: do a “core brace” as your read this. Now touch your obliques, are they contracted? For me and many others, they are NOT! it requires to shift the focus away from the transverse abdominis (the muscle you THINK you should contract to “brace”), and only then can one have the obliques fully contracted. Yes, I and most of my clients can think we’re bracing while ACTUALLY having obliques relaxed. Therefore, I’m inclined to think that core training still has its place.

What are your thoughts on this ?

Looking forward to some good counter arguments or validation if you agree

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