# Can poor ab strength be a weak point that limits barbell lifts?

**URL:** <https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/can-poor-ab-strength-be-a-weak-point-that-limits-barbell-lifts/11507>\
**Category:** Training Q&A \[Moderated\]\
**Created:** [October 13, 2021, 5:58pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/can-poor-ab-strength-be-a-weak-point-that-limits-barbell-lifts/11507 "2021-10-13T17:58:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Kevin\_Kane](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/kevin_kane/32/1003_2.png) [@Kevin\_Kane](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Kevin_Kane)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2021, 5:58pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/can-poor-ab-strength-be-a-weak-point-that-limits-barbell-lifts/11507/1 "2021-10-13T17:58:19Z")

</div>

I believe that several of your programs include isometric ab exercises. My understanding is that you prefer isometric ab work because: 1. The abs contract isometrically during most lifts and tasks.  
2. Stimulus to fatigue: isometric ab work generates about the same abdominal musculature recruitment – but with less fatigue – as does a 6RM squat: [Comparison of Core Muscle Activation between a Prone Bridge and 6-RM Back Squats - PMC](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6006542/) My question is: Can poor ab strength limit your performance on barbell lifts?

I ask because I saw an [old post](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/fo...for-abdominals) from Jordan that says “I don’t think the abdominals are a limiting factor for any barbell movement.”

If that’s true, why do we train abs directly? To reduce the risk of injury? Or do they improve performance on tasks other than barbell lifts?

I’m not trying to contradict anyone or anything, I’m just trying to learn more. Thanks!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/jordan_feigenbaum/32/1315_2.png) [@Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Jordan_Feigenbaum)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2021, 4:17pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/can-poor-ab-strength-be-a-weak-point-that-limits-barbell-lifts/11507/2 "2021-10-15T16:17:06Z")

</div>

I don’t think abdominal strength is the limiting factor for any barbell exercise for almost anyone. That said, there are other reasons to do exercises and activity besides increasing the squat, bench, and deadlift. Leaving muscles untrained that may be used in other activities seems like a bad idea.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Kevin\_Kane](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/kevin_kane/32/1003_2.png) [@Kevin\_Kane](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Kevin_Kane)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2021, 4:28pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/can-poor-ab-strength-be-a-weak-point-that-limits-barbell-lifts/11507/3 "2021-10-15T16:28:49Z")

</div>

> [@Jordan\_Feigenbaum](#):
>
> There are other reasons to do exercises and activity besides increasing the squat, bench, and deadlift.

What is this heresy? 😉

But seriously, I agree 100%! Thanks Jordan.

Good luck with your upcoming meet! I’m so excited to follow along through your YouTube and Instagram, cheering you on all the way buddy!