Effective Lower Ab Exercises
If your idea of tightening your abdominal muscles is doing 100 sit-ups every
night before retiring, your daily exercising routine may be in vain. It’s a
widespread misconception that doing a lot of sit-ups tightens the abs. Sit-ups
will strengthen your abs, but you will likely still have some undefined areas.
This exercise only works the upper and middle section of the abdomen. Assuming
there is no excess fat around your midsection, to tighten your abdominal muscles
you must include lower ab
exercises in your routine. There is some controversy over what is the best abdominal exercise to achieve the best results, and books and videos abound
on the topic. Fitness experts agree that the best exercise routine is one that
involves strengthening all the muscles in the abdomen.
One effective exercise that strengthens your entire abdominal area is the
bicycle. These exercises work your upper and lower abs and can be modified to
work the oblique muscles (the side abdomen muscles). Start exercising by lying
on your back. Position your hands behind your head (unclasped) and stretch one
leg forward while bending the other. Now, lift your legs about a 45 degree angle
and alternate the leg positions using a motion like your riding a bicycle. You
should also move an elbow to the opposite knee as it comes up. It is imperative
that when performing these exercises you keep your lower back on the floor.
The side bend is another effective ab workout. This exercise is better than the
bicycle because it works your upper, side, and lower ab muscles simultaneously.
Exercising this way looks easier than it really is. Lie on your side with your
knees slightly bent. Place one hand on your leg and place the other hand behind
your head. Lift yourself up using your stomach muscles, holding the position at
the top for a few seconds. The higher you can lift yourself the better. When you
first begin this exercise you may not be able to lift yourself up very much. As
you continue to perform these exercises you will be able to lift yourself
higher. Do a few reps and then turn yourself over to perform the movement on the
other side to best strengthen your lower abs.
Related Articles
Rave Reviews For
The Ab Lounge Exercise Machine
When considering the hoped-for results of our fitness routines, six-pack abs
are often one of the things we wish for most. There is a plethora of exercise...
Abdominal Exercisers
Come in Many Varieties
There are several types of abdominal exercisers. Becoming familiar with what’s
available is important before shopping for abdominal exercise machines.
Ab Exercise Equipment
for Advanced Toning
Can ab exercise equipment help firm up your midsection? Like most people,
you’re probably a little bit out of shape and the pants are feeling a wee bit
snug.
For more information on the best ab
machines and other products choose from one of the
following links:
|
