Exercise for Abs — Top 4 You Can Do At Home
Posted in Health & Fitness on September 29th, 2009 by Brian Shelton – Be the first to commentPerforming an efficient program for abs doesn’t need to be done on an expensive piece of gym gadget. In fact, you don’t need to go anywhere else or buy extravagant machines to build ripped abs.
In the newest scientific study done at San Diego State University, they tested over 10 abdominal workouts and weeded out the most inefficient of the bunch. The ones listed below were ranked the top 4. These simple yet excellent workouts can help you build a much firmer, ripped abs in no time.
Apparently, you would need to invest a lot of effort and dedication when you perform your workouts for abdominals. No matter how physically fit you are, six pack abs won’t happen overnight, believe me. Also, it’s very vital to recognize the beneficial effects of healthy diet in any fitness plan.
Your exercise for abdominals must involve of at least 3 of the following: Bicycle exercise, Ball Crunches, Weighted Sit Ups, and Full Body Crunches. Having a regular workout program (e.g. working out every other day) is crucial. 5 reps at 3 sets each routine should do your abs a lot of good. Begin with simple workouts then gradually intensify the frequency as time goes. You’re not in a competition, so don’t feel like you need to speed things up irresponsibly because you could sustain injuries in the process.
1. Bicycle Exercises. Lie on the ground, keep your hands on the side of your head, bring your legs up by bending at the knees, and maintain your feet flat on the floor. This is how you’d want to start this workout each time. Then, raise one leg at a time, making a cycling action in the air. As you do cycling movements with your legs, touch your left elbow to your right knee as it comes up, and repeat with your right elbow on your left knee this time.
2. Ball Crunches. This drill for abdominals will need a medicine ball. Those aren’t really hard to come by (and they’re very reasonably priced, too). At first, sit on the ball and maintain your balance. Plant both feet firmly on the ground. Lower your back gradually and don’t stop until your torso is completely parallel to the ground. Bring your upper body up and stop at a challenging angle as you would with a basic floor crunch. Hold that position for about 5 seconds and lower your back on the ball.
3. Weighted Sit Ups. Lie back on the ground, bend your knees, and keep your feet firmly on the floor. Using a light weight, like a hardbound book or a bottled beverage, put it over your chest and hold it down with your hands. Raise your torso slowly while keeping your lower body steady. After achieving a challenging angle, keep it there for a few, and go back to your first position.
4. Full Body Crunches. This workout for abdominals has got to be one of my faves. Lie on the floor again, cross your arms over your chest, and hold those knees bent. Lift your torso off the floor while you pull in both knees toward your pelvis. Maintain it there for a second, assume the original position, then start over.
Always remember to keep your abdominal muscles flat with every workout for abdominals. With a balance meal plan and a regular fitness program, you won’t get anything less than great six pack abs.