Tone Your Tummy With These Ab Exercises

January 19, 2010 by Greg Holmes
Filed under Exercise

Would you like to trade your beer muscle for a 6 pack of abs? There are a million workout routines and machines that promise a trim torso in no time. Yet it\’s time to face the facts; to get defined six pack abs you have to eat well and work out – period. However, don\’t get down on the floor for those crunches just yet. We\’ll show you some ab exercises that will add some punch to your workout.

As you begin your exercise and fitness program, it\’s important that you are aware that it will take some time before you see significant results, and that it will involve a good deal of commitment and effort. You must also consult with your health care provider to make certain that you\’re sufficiently health for the program you choose. Individuals with lower back injuries should be particularly cautious when performing abdominal exercises. To build up your core, try making use of a stability ball to do your crunches rather than lying on the floor. You can also use the small bubble utilized for physical therapy. A number of stability balls have soft rubber spikes on the surface that provide you with a wonderful massage as you rock back and forth. If you own a large, secure stability ball, then utilize it at your desk as a substitute for your office chair. When you balance your weight while seated on the ball, you\’ll get an abdominal workout without even being aware of it.

Leg lifts are another substitute for sit ups that are highly effective. Lie on the floor with your legs straight out and your hands at your sides. Raise your legs towards the ceiling (don\’t bend the knees) until they are as near as possible to a 90 degree angle from the floor. Lower your legs and repeat without letting your legs touch the floor. Performing this exercise on a yoga mat will let you be more comfortable. If you have a membership at a fitness center, there is equipment that will allow you to raise yourself up utilizing your arms as support while dangling your legs. This exercise will tone and strengthen the lower abdominal area. Just be careful not to hurt your back.

This exercise is perfect for the person who really hates to workout and you can do it anywhere. While you\’re in a seated position, crunch in your belly simply by tightening the abdominal muscles. Place your hand on your stomach and see that it has become harder. By doing 20 to 30 repetitions of this simple exercise, you\’ll strengthen your stomach muscles while losing belly fat. Bicycling is another low strain abdominal exercise that produces great results. Lie on a firm surface and place each hand beside your head. Pull your knees up and move your feet around in a circular motion like you\’re actually pedaling a real bicycle. Do this to the count of ten and then relax. Doing 10 repetitions will give your tummy a great workout.

Doing ab exercises regularly isn\’t enough to get sculpted, six-pack abs. Nutrition plays a big part too. Start by giving up high calorie sodas and energy drinks and start reaching for good old fashioned water instead. Ideally, you should be drinking about two liters of water a day. Not only will this keep you hydrated, it will stave off the hunger pangs. You should also avoid sugar and starchy foods like white bread and rice. Your body tends to quickly metabolize these foods into fat. Most importantly, stay motivated and remember that missing a day of exercise or indulging in a piece of cake isn\’t the end of the world. Simply get back into your routine the next day and look forward to a slimmer, trimmer you.

Developing a tight tummy takes some time and effort, but six pack abs exercises should not be a painful ordeal. You just need to learn the tips that will help you get 6 pack abs without suffering through hours of crunches and sit ups.