This is the inaugural “Overheard at ‘The Gym’” post. In these posts I take a quote from a trainer/co-worker and discuss the flawed logic and/or sheer stupidity of their “Expertise.”  It is meant to illustrate why I feel compelled to start my own business and escape the tyranny of idiocy.  These are real quotes from “real professionals.”

“Central Strength System”

Client: These crunches are hard.
Trainer: Well you need to activate your central strength system.

There is no such thing as your “Central Strength System.”  This phrase is completely made up.  In fact, if you Google “Central Strength System” you get a patent regarding fiber optic cables.

I suppose credit should be given for not using the buzz term “Core Strength;” but Central Strength System is not an improvement (but at least it’s original).  Whether you want to call it your “Central Strength System” or “Core Strength” it means nothing if it has no definition.  I prefer the term “Midline Stability” because it’s descriptive and definitive.  ”Midline Stability” refers to the individual’s ability to STABILIZE the MIDLINE of the body.  The ability keep your trunk stable during any movement is critical to movement efficiency and thus general health.

The problem with doing crunches in order to increase “Midline Stability” is that you’re not keeping the midline stable.  In fact, you’re doing quite the opposite, you’re compromising the integrity of the midline by putting it in an unnatural “crunched” position.   Are you contracting and “working” your abs?  Yes.  Are you creating “Midline Stability?” Definitely not.  Gregg Glassman recently gave a great lecture on how your abdominals and trunk are the transmission to your legs (or arms) engine.  They stabilize and transfer the force your legs (or arms) generate.  The do not create the force.  So doing excessive crunches does not increase “Midline Stability,”  it’s probably just straining your neck.

But maybe I’m wrong.  This is a quote from a trainer who told me he went to Brown University on an athletic scholarship…….

(Incase you didn’t know the Ivy League does not give athletic scholarships.)