The Strong Stomach Workout
16th March, 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.
Tone Your Torso Exercise
Begin this stomach exercise 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 Routine
You will need to lie flat on your back for this routine. Use a mat or towel to cushion your spine. Bend your knees so your feet are flat, and place your arms at your sides. Squeeze your buttocks as you lift your pelvis off the floor. Keep the rest of your body in line. Raise your pelvis to about forty-five degrees, so your upper body from your head to your knees makes a straight, flat ramp. Hold this for 3 to 5 seconds before gradually lowering your pelvis to the floor. Repeat for an entire set.
The Crunchless Crunch Routine
This abs exercise is pretty easy in theory, but can be reasonably hard to carry out. Essentially, it involves pulling your belly button in towards your spine. This can be hard, as it involves using muscles that you might not be used to using. 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. Relax your body as much as possible, then try to use only the lower abdominals to move your belly button toward your spine. Hold for ten seconds. If this feels good, hold for a little longer. The goal is to hold the contraction until you either cannot feel it, or you feel other muscles working harder than the transverse abdominus. As you feel it, let the contraction out.
Scissor Kicks Routine
This stomach exercise also requires lying on the floor. Put your hands under your bottom, keeping your back 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 1 leg, raise up the other. Do this again for an entire set. Maintaining control throughout is important, not allowing momentum to get the better of you. Your upper body should remain on the floor through the entire move.
These are just a sample of the many strength building abs exercises out there. If you’re hoping to build strength in your midriff, look for exercises that workout your core, particularly the transverse abdominal muscles. Many components of Pilates are good for this as well, and make getting 6 pack abs easy.
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