Question: I’m a newbie to working on my abs.

Is it okay to do them every single day?

Answer: I’m starting to develop a new theory that I’ll share with you.  And if it turns out to be true (as I suspect), you can say you heard it here first.

I think the “core” (I hate that word) muscles like the transverse abdominus and even the obliques can (and should) be worked every day.  This is because the goal is neurological tone rather than bulk.  And this high-frequency training dramatically enhances neurological tone. 

The rectus abdominus, on the other hand, should be trained more infrequently as the goal is (typically) hypertrophy to deepen the six-pack. 

~ Dr Clay

Question:  I have rolled and sprained both of my ankles. During my football season what can i do to prevent another sprain since both of my ankles are now weaker and more prone to a sprain.

Answer: The best way to “bullet-proof” your ankles from ankle sprains is to do some exercises on an unstable surface.

Start with simply balancing on one foot. Then do the same on a pad like an Airex pad. Then you can stand on both feet on a wobble board.

Again, anything where the foot is on an unstable surface will help.

Best,

Dr Clay

The following question was posted on bb.com - my reply follows. 

Question: Hey so honestly, can someone tell me if it really is good or bad to work out every day with maybe one day off? Some say it doesn’t allow your muscles to fully recover and some say its a myth? Can someone please say why it is good to workout everyday or why it is bad?

Thankyou!!

Answer: Any routine will work if:

1) your CNS (central nervous system) is allowed to ‘recuperate’ between workouts
2) each muscle is allowed to ‘recuperate’ before it’s trained again
3) not so much times passes between workouts that the training effect has passed (i.e. the muscle atrophies)

Any program that fits these basic parameters will work. But the catch is that an infinite number of factors affect these parameters.

So, could you train every day and make progress? Yes, if the program is adjusted accordingly. Could you tan every day and get darker but not burn? Sure, if you didn’t tan too long or too intensely - same with exercise.

~ Dr Clay