1. Stretch to Prepare for Hip Hop Abs
Hip Hop Abs is a great way to tone abdominal muscles as it combines physical fitness with the funky style of hip hop dancing. Any type of dance class or fitness class starts with a warm up and stretching segment, as you have to stretch out the body, abdominal area included, to get ready to dance. You have to warm up the body so that it can stretch. So, take this portion of your Hip Hop Abs workout class, video or DVD workout seriously, as doing so will prepare your abdominal muscles to work and also work as a preventative against injuries.
2. Deep Breathing Stretches for Abdominals
Start stretching before class to be better prepared for Hip Hop Abs. Stand up straight, with your feet about a foot apart. Take a deep breath in as you circle your arms outward up over your head, circling up for four counts. Exhale out as you lower your arms down in a circular motion taking about four counts. Repeat up to eight times to open and stretch the chest, abdominals and body core. Get a deeper stretch by spreading your feet a little further, toes pointed outward and add a plie or deep knee bend into the stretch, repeating several times. Stretch out the abdominal sides by doing deep breathing in the plie position, but take only one arm down and stretch up over your head while bending to the side. Do this slowly and hold the side stretch, repeat on the other side.
3. On the Floor Stretches for Hip Hop Abs
Move down to the floor to stretch the spine for Hip Hop Abs. Lie on the floor with your arms stretched out to the sides and shoulders back. Pull your knees up to your chest and roll to the left side, holding for eight seconds. Roll back to the right side and hold for eight seconds. Repeat both sides six to eight times. Pull your knees up to your chest and hold tightly to stretch out your spine. The spine needs to be stretched and strong to support the abdominals.
4. Entire Body Stretch Benefits Hip Hop Abs Workout
Stretching for Hip Hop Abs needs to include stretching the entire body. The hip hop dancing portion of the workout will work the entire body, not just the abs. Do runner's lunges to stretch out the legs and thighs. Do foot flexes and entire leg stretches with the foot flexed to really stretch the calves, ankles and feet. Don't forget to stretch your arms with arm circles along with stretch and hold moves across the chest. Once the entire body is stretched and warmed up, you'll get more from your Hip Hop Abs workout.
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