Women should strive for total body muscle workouts, while implementing exercises directly related to toning and strengthening their core. Muscle is more compact and defined than fat, reducing the appearance of abdominal size. Using gym equipment can help you obtain the best results.
Incline Bench
The incline bench, a versatile abdominal machine, allows you to change the level of incline, do straight crunches and sit-ups and add a rotational twist to build core and abdominal strength. Keep your abdominals contracted during the entire movement while avoiding any back arch.
Cable Pulleys
Cable crunches when done properly are a top abdominal exercise. Kneel on the floor while facing the machine. Hold a double rope handle in each hand. Place your hands next to your ears. Pulling with your stomach, move your elbows toward your knees. Hold for three to five seconds and slowly return to an upright position.
Captain's Chair
Real Women's Fitness places the hanging leg raise at the top of its list for creating sexy abs. Using a captain's or roman chair allows you to keep your back flat against the chair back, increasing the effectiveness of the exercise. Supporting your forearms on the pads, grip the handles, allowing your legs to hang straight. Contract your abs and lift your knees toward your chest. Make sure your back does not arch, maintaining complete contact with the chair back. Hold for three to five seconds and slowly lower your legs until they are straight and repeat. Do only as many as you can while maintaining good technique. Increase repetitions as your strength improves.
Ab Crunch Machine
A basic abdominal crunch machine, typically found at gyms, allows for abdominal isolation. Begin with a low number of plates to allow for good technique, progressing as your strength increases. Secure your legs with the attached knee and footpads, making all movement come from your trunk. Hold the handles on either side of your head and contract your abs. Leaning forward, reach your elbows toward your knees. Slowly return to the upright position.
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