The Strong Stomach Workout
Wednesday, March 25th, 2009When beginning an abdominal workout routine, for most people who ask the question of how to get six packs - the goal is simple: getting a flatter stomach fast. While a smooth, flat stomach looks good, it is less of an accomplishment if the stomach muscles have not gained any strength. In addition to slimming down around the outer abdominals, it is also important to build strength in the core abdominals. Below are some stomach exercises that work out the core to build strong muscles throughout the abdomen, and will help you get 6 pack abs in no time.
The Tone Your Torso Workout
Start this abs routine on all fours, knees and hands on the floor. Keep your belly pulled in and lengthen your left arm out in front of you. Keep this arm outstretched as you extend your right leg out behind you. Switch arms and legs, and repeat for an entire set. Take special care never to let your pelvis sway out of line.
The Butt Burner Exercise
You’ll have to lay on your back for this exercise. Use a towel or mat to cushion your back. Bend your knees so your feet are flat, and place your arms at your sides. Squeeze your buttocks together as you lift your pelvis off of the floor. Keep the remainder of your body in line. Raise up your pelvis to around 45 degrees, so your torso from your head to your knees makes a straight ramp. Hold this for three to five seconds before slowly lowering your pelvis back to the floor. Repeat for a complete set.
Crunchless Crunch
This abs exercise is pretty easy in theory, but can be reasonably hard to carry out. Essentially, it involves trying to pull the belly button in towards the spine. This can be tricky, as it involves using muscles which you may not be used to activating. To start, either lie on your stomach or kneel. You may like to try both ways, and ascertain which helps you feel the exercise better. Try to relax your torso as much as you can, then use only your lower abs to move your belly button towards your back. Hold for ten secs. If this feels ok, hold for a longer time. The aim is to hold the contraction until you either can’t feel it, or you feel your other muscles working harder than the transverse abdominus. When you feel this, let the contraction out.
The Scissor Kicks Exercise
This stomach routine also requires laying down on the floor. Position your hands under your butt, keeping your back pressed against the floor. Slowly raise up 1 leg to a height of about 10 inches, then gradually lower it back to the floor. As your lower one leg, raise the other. Do this again for an entire set. Keeping control throughout is essential, not allowing the momentum to overcome you. Your upper body should remain on the floor through the entire move.
These are just a few of all the strength building stomach exercises out there. If you are looking to build strength in your midsection, look for any exercise that works your core, especially the transverse abdominal muscles. Many components of Pilates are good for this as well, and make getting 6 pack abs easy.