Abs Workout
The abdominal muscle is the most sought out muscle to most
body builders and people that are trying to obtain that rock
hard body. The abdominal muscles are often called abs or six
pack. The reason the muscles are called six pack is because
when they are very tone they do look like it has six individual
muscles. The fact is not everyone can achieve those beautiful
six pack abs because genetics made everyone’s body different.
The factor to getting great abs is loosing body fat and
performing abdominal exercises. Just because a person appears
to have rock hard abs does not really mean that they do because
they can be covered with layers of fat.
The abdominal muscles have many functions which includes
stabilizing the torso. When the torso is stabilized properly it
helps maintain good posture. Having strong abs and strong back
muscles will prevent lower back injury and pain associated with
those injuries whether they are minor or major. The abs are
involved in all types of movements that we do all day long such
as bending, sitting, standing, reaching, lifting, and walking.
So all of the exercises listed above can be done properly with
great posture and strong abdominal muscles. With a low fat
healthy diet and a proper exercise regime you can obtain those
great abdominal muscles that you are looking for.
When exercising the abdominal muscles it is important to
focus on the back muscles because having both strong abdominal
and back muscles can prevent lower back injury. You can work
out your abdominal muscles effectively by performing an
exercise regime four times a week and spreading those out over
seven days. It is important to perform the exercises correctly
in order to prevent injury and to obtain those perfect abs or
six pack. It is not important to buy any expensive exercise
equipment to achieve your goal. There are lost of expensive
equipment of gadgets that are advertised on television but it
is not necessary that you purchase any of them. It is basically
your preference on how you like to workout.
A great exercise that works the abdominal muscles is the
ball crunch. You will need an exercise ball that can be
purchased almost any where such as Wal-mart or any health and
fitness store. The proper way to do these exercises is lie on
the ball with your mid and lower back pressed against the ball.
Put your hands behind your head or if you prefer across your
chest. Lift your torso off of the ball by contracting your abs
and pulling your ribcage down toward your hips as if you are
trying to curl up into a ball. It is very important to keep the
ball stable during this exercise. Repeat the exercises about
ten to fifteen times and one to three sets.
Another great exercise is called the modified plank. This is
done properly by lying face down on an exercise mat. Place your
elbows directly on the mat with your forearms and hands in
front of you. Your knees are bent with them resting on the mat.
Your body should be resting on your knees and elbows. Tighten
up your abdominal muscles by holding your body in a straight
line from head to knees. It is very important to not allow any
sagging in the middle body area. Keep your eyes focused forward
and hold the position as long as possible. Repeat this about
three or four times starting out slowly and increasing up to
that potential exercise regime that you are trying to achieve.
With any abdominal workout when first starting always start out
by repeating the exercises only a few times and increasing that
weekly or your preference but remember you do not want to cause
pain or injury.
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