The abdominal muscles do much more than just create that attractive "V" shape that so many men strive for these days. The muscles of the abdominals, the rectus abdominus, transverse abdominus and internal and external obliques help protect the internal organs, provide stabilization for the spine, provide a stable foundation for the torso and help move the upper body, according to Shape Fit.
Reverse Crunch
This exercise is performed while lying on your back with your feet elevated and knees tightly bent. Keep both hands at your sides and your head and shoulders on the floor. While keeping your knees bent, bring them toward your chest and lift your hips off the floor while trying to touch your knees to your forehead. Be sure to keep your head on the floor, and use your abdominal muscles to perform this crunch. Hold the position for a few seconds and slowly bring your lower body back to the starting position. Keep your feet and knees off the floor for the duration of this exercise.
Leg Lifts
Lower Ab Exercises.net says that this exercise can be beneficial when trying to build lower abdominal muscles. It is performed while lying on the floor on your back. Help stabilize your pelvis by keeping your hands under your hips. Keep your head and shoulders on the floor while using your abdominal muscles to lift both of your legs at the same time, until the soles of your feet are pointing at the ceiling in a vertical position. Remember to keep your legs as straight as possible throughout this exercise. Hold the position for a few seconds, and then lower your legs until your heels are slightly off the ground. Hold this position for a few seconds, and then lift your legs back to the vertical position.
Pelvic Tilt
Lie on the floor on your back with your arms relaxed at your sides and your knees bent at a 45-degree angle. Keep both feet shoulder-width apart and your feet flat on the floor. Press the small of your back flat against the floor, using your abdominal muscles. Raise your hips and lower torso off the floor and hold the position for several seconds. Lower your torso back to the ground, press the small of your back against the floor and repeat.
Member Comments