Abdominal Exercises

Ideal Abdominal Exercises


With today's focus on keeping fit, it really isn't a wonder why a number of abdominal exercises prevail in most workout regimens. As the abs, the "six pack" area of the body, is one of the most focused areas in most workouts, along with the biceps, triceps and cardiovascular strengthening, over a hundred abdominal exercises exist to choose from, giving exercisers the option to pick whichever abdominal exercise ideally suits them.

Abdominal exercises primarily focus on the rectus abdominis, the "six pack" muscle, as well as the internal and external obliques, the side-to-hips muscles. Here are three considered ideal abdominal exercises. These exercises stand testament to the fact that one doesn't need to invest in high priced exercise equipment, as the recommended minimum "equipment" these abdominal exercises require is an exercise mat.

The Long Arm Crunch

To successfully do the Long Arm Crunch, the first position requires exercisers to lie face up on an exercise mat, or exercise area, with arms stretched out behind the exerciser's head. The arms should touch the exerciser's ears, and the hands clasped together. The second step then requires exercisers to contract their abs, lifting their shoulder blades two to three inches off the mat or floor. Repeating this twelve to sixteen times completes the workout.

The Reverse Crunch

The reverse crunch gives the rectus abdominis an overall workout, thus is being an ideal abdominal exercise. Its first step requires exercisers to lie on the mat, or exercise area, facing up, with his/her hands palms down on the floor. Then, the exerciser lifts his/her legs to a 90 degree angle, while his/her feet are crossed together. Using one's abdominal muscles as one lifts one's legs, along with twelve to sixteen repetitions, completes the abdominal exercise.

The Full Vertical Crunch

With the Full Vertical Crunch, one's abs aren't the only muscles worked out, as one's upper body gets toned up too. The workout starts with the exerciser lying on the floor, facing up, with hands behind his/her head. The exerciser then lifts his upper torso two to three inches off the floor, as he/she lifts her legs to a 90 degree angle, eventually forming a U shape with his/her body. Twelve to sixteen repetitions complete the workout.
All in all, abdominal exercises are only as effective as with what an exerciser eats. A balanced diet should compliment an abdominal exercise, if washboard abs is what you are aiming for.

With the consumption of the right foods, at the right amounts, along with either of the abovementioned three abdominal exercises, one is definitely en route to trimmer, stronger, six pack abs.