Brookbush Institute says lower ab workouts are a myth

Brookbush Institute published a new article arguing that the lower rectus abdominis cannot be isolated with conventional core exercises. The review, released June 8, 2026, says the finding matters for fitness and rehab programming because it challenges a common training cue.

Why it matters: - The Brookbush Institute article targets a persistent fitness and rehabilitation myth: that exercises can selectively work the “lower abs.” - The review argues that coaches and clinicians should stop programming for regional lower-ab isolation and focus on broader abdominal and full-body strength. - The article also reinforces a related point about spot reduction, which has long been presented incorrectly as a way to lose fat in specific areas.

What happened: - Brookbush Institute published a new article titled “Lower Ab Workouts Don’t Exist: Research Confirmed.” - The article was released June 8, 2026, from New York. - The publication is described as part of Brookbush Institute’s evidence-based education platform for fitness, performance and physical medicine. - The article includes a linked reference to the full article for readers who want the complete version.

The details: - The review examined 13 published studies that measured upper and lower rectus abdominis activity using surface EMG or ultrasonography. - The studies covered traditional crunches, leg raises, stability-ball movements, portable abdominal devices, isometric exercises and dance-related movements. - Ten of the 13 studies found that the rectus abdominis activates as a single, continuous unit. - Five of those studies provided direct evidence, and five provided indirect evidence. - Three studies found higher relative upper-rectus activation under specific conditions, including traditional crunches, fatiguing isometric curl-ups and isolated pelvic undulations such as belly dancing. - No study identified an exercise, device or condition that preferentially recruits, targets or isolates the lower rectus abdominis. - The article says the rectus abdominis runs vertically from the pubic symphysis to the xiphoid process and costal cartilages. - The article points to Beevor’s sign as a clinical observation consistent with the muscle functioning as one unit. - Brookbush Institute also referenced another myth-busting article, “Squat Depth Recommendations: Based on All Available Research,” and a new certification, Strength and Performance Coach (SPC).

Between the lines: - The conclusion pushes against a common cue used in gyms and rehab settings, where “lower ab” exercises are often marketed as a distinct training category. - The evidence summary suggests exercise selection should be based on overall abdominal activation and movement quality, not claims of targeted lower-rectus recruitment. - The messaging also fits Brookbush Institute’s broader positioning around research-driven education and product offerings.

What’s next: - Brookbush Institute is directing readers to the full article for the complete research review. - The new SPC certification signals that the institute is continuing to expand its education catalog alongside myth-busting content. - Fitness and rehab professionals using this review may shift programming language away from lower-ab isolation and toward integrated core training.