Basic Crunch:Lie down on the floor, put your hands against your ears, not behind your neck, knees pulled in and slowly raise your head until you feel a pull in your abdominals. Try not to tense your neck. Pull your abdominals in tight. If it's easier you can use your hands to reach up to your knees. The slower the exercise is performed, the more effective the muscles will be working. Works the six pack muscles or rectus abdominis. Aim to do 3 sets of 15 reps.
You will know that its working well when you feel a slight pull in the abs, and your begin to lose strength. Keep the tension in your muscles limited to the abs for maximum effect. Relax your neck and back.
The plank exercise: Here's a very strong core building exercise. It's simple too. Simply do a push up. Then lower yourself so that you are resting on your forearms. Hold your midsection level and tight. You will feel the effects of this exercise momentarily. Hold the position for 45 seconds. Do this 10 times.
The way to know for sure that what you are doing is really working is simple. Stand up straight and assume a correct posture. Hold your gut in while doing this. If this is a bit uncomfortable then you are likely doing the exercise correctly.
Reverse Crunch : This exercise works the transverse abdominis or lower abdominals and strengthens them. Lie down with your feet in the air or the knees can be slightly bent and gently bring your legs toward your abdominals. Pull the abdominals in tight. When the exercise is performed correctly, there will be a gentle pull in the lower abdominals. Keep the back on the floor fully and do not raise the neck or tense it. This exercise develops the V shaped muscles in the lower abdominals. Try to work towards 3 sets of 15 reps.
How do you know it's working: When the lower abdominals start to ache. Stomach exercises can be difficult at first if you have a large gut, you will need to do some additional cardiovascular exercises to shed some of the weight. Sit-ups will result in a larger gut initially as your muscles strengthen. I know this from firsthand experience. - 16752
You will know that its working well when you feel a slight pull in the abs, and your begin to lose strength. Keep the tension in your muscles limited to the abs for maximum effect. Relax your neck and back.
The plank exercise: Here's a very strong core building exercise. It's simple too. Simply do a push up. Then lower yourself so that you are resting on your forearms. Hold your midsection level and tight. You will feel the effects of this exercise momentarily. Hold the position for 45 seconds. Do this 10 times.
The way to know for sure that what you are doing is really working is simple. Stand up straight and assume a correct posture. Hold your gut in while doing this. If this is a bit uncomfortable then you are likely doing the exercise correctly.
Reverse Crunch : This exercise works the transverse abdominis or lower abdominals and strengthens them. Lie down with your feet in the air or the knees can be slightly bent and gently bring your legs toward your abdominals. Pull the abdominals in tight. When the exercise is performed correctly, there will be a gentle pull in the lower abdominals. Keep the back on the floor fully and do not raise the neck or tense it. This exercise develops the V shaped muscles in the lower abdominals. Try to work towards 3 sets of 15 reps.
How do you know it's working: When the lower abdominals start to ache. Stomach exercises can be difficult at first if you have a large gut, you will need to do some additional cardiovascular exercises to shed some of the weight. Sit-ups will result in a larger gut initially as your muscles strengthen. I know this from firsthand experience. - 16752
About the Author:
Abdominal exercises are so critical to any diet and exercise plan. If you truly want six pack abs, you are going to have to work a little. It's not that difficult if done correctly. Download our killer ab exercise manuscript visit us at http://www.stomachexercises4u.com
