Exercise Guide For A Good Abs Workout

Your abdominal and core muscles are a part of almost every movement you make and help with posture, balance and back support, according to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Different types of exercises that target all your abdominal muscles should be included in your regular workout routine to help you look and feel better, prevent injuries and improve your overall health and fitness.

Considerations

Abdominal exercises do not burn abdominal fat, like many late-night infomercials claim. Losing fat requires burning more calories through aerobic exercise and eating fewer calories than your body needs. The Harvard Family Health Guide suggests consulting with a physical therapist or exercise specialist if you need help in planning an abdominal and strength training routine that is appropriate for you. It also recommends visiting with your doctor before starting an exercise program if you have a medical condition or have been sedentary for some time.

Benefits

Because your abdominal and core muscles are used in most movements, strengthening them can make many other physical activities easier, reports MayoClinic.com. Weak abdominal muscles can lead to poor posture, back pain and other injuries. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that strength-training exercises that include all of your body's muscles can help you control your weight and lower your risk for developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis.

Muscles

Your abdominal muscles help you rotate, flex and bend your truck, and they aid in stability. Your abdominal muscles include the rectus abdominus, which is the most superficial abdominal muscle, the internal and external oblique muscles and the transverse abdominus, which is the deepest of your abdominal muscles. a good abs workout includes exercises that target all of these muscles.

Exercises

There are many different types of exercises that you can do for your abs, and many of them do not require any special equipment and can be done in your own home. Basic crunches, planks and bicycle exercises are some abdominal exercises recommended by the Harvard Family Health Guide. It recommends starting with these basic exercises and focusing more on technique than on repetitions.

Recommendations

Your ab workouts should be a regular part of your strength-training routine, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. It recommends strength training your abs and your other major muscle groups at least two to three times each week for best results. You should have at least 48 hours of rest between your workouts to allow your muscles to rest and recover. Staying consistent with your workouts will help you develop the abdominal muscle strength and tone you are working toward.