Ask Shaun: Should I workout before or after breakfast
Question: Is it better to work out in the morning or evening. Is it okay to do a major workout in the morning without eating first thing?
Answer: I generally recommend morning workouts because there is usually less procrastination; however, it really is an individual thing. It does not make a big difference if you eat before or after your workout, that is also an individual thing. I usually encourage clients to exercise before breakfast, although some people experience low blood sugar so they need to eat first. All in all it is most important that you workout at a time that works best in your schedule so you are most consistent.
Question: What is a good exercise for lower abs?
Answer: When it comes to training the lower abs the reality is that most times people have poor technique. With poor technique you are targeting the wrong muscles such as the hip flexors and not the abs. Similarly, if you are swinging and using momentum you are not getting the most out of the exercise. There are many great exercises for the lower abs including bicycle kickouts, leg scissors, and leg raises, but they are not effective if you do not maintain posterior pelvic pressure(push your back towards the floor). There is a great exercise device called the Abdometer that measures your pelvic positioning to ensure you are performing the correct technique and effectively isolating your lower abs.