The barbell is one of the most versatile tools in the gym and can be used for a variety of strength exercises. So don’t sleep on its ability to torch your core. By simply taking a loaded bar off the rack and laying it on the floor, you’ve got all you need to perform barbell ab rollouts, a dynamic move that will work your abs and promote spinal stability.
WHY DO IT
The unique positioning required to do this move correctly—arms extended and body almost parallel to the floor—causes gravity to pull down on the body. “As your points of contact with the floor extend farther apart, your core has to jump into action to stabilize its most vulnerable point—the midsection,” says David Otey, C.S.C.S. “This maximizes muscular recruitment to help stabilize the spine.” And a more stable spine will carry over to your deadlifts and squats.
WHEN TO DO IT
Try the barbell rollout any time you want to work your core, but Otey recommends hitting it at least twice a week to reap the strength benefits.
