The Bruce Lee Ab Workout Method

The Bruce Lee Ab Workout Method
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The wife of the director of one of Bruce Lee's films remarked that his biceps felt like "warm marble." Even 38 years after his death, Bruce Lee's physique still motivates world class body builders and regular guys to study his methods. Aficionados of Bruce Lee's abs workout strive to emulate his mastery by committing to a fiercely disciplined regimen.

Dragon Flag

One of the most difficult of the ab workouts Bruce Lee enjoyed was the dragon flag. You'll begin by lying on a bench. Bringing your arms over your head, grip the bench. Inhale, and then on an long exhale lift your legs straight up feet pointing to the ceiling. Remain in this position for 2 seconds and then inhale and release back down to the bench. To increase the challenge, when you're coming out of the lift do not let your butt touch the bench. The number of reps will depend on your skill level and ab strength.

Roman Chair Situps

The Roman chair is a piece of equipment found in many gyms. It has a variety of uses but for those famous abs Bruce Lee would have used it for sit-ups. Unlike your traditional sit-up performed with your torso on the floor, the Roman chair allows for an extra degree of difficulty. After sitting on the pad, hook your feet under the two rollers that are a part of the equipment. Your entire torso from your waist up to your head should extend past your seat. Cross your arms over your chest and lean back until your torso is horizontal with the floor. Raise up with a rounded back. According to Lee, curling up instead of raising and lowering like a lever with a flat back was the more optimum choice, leading to a more focused workout.

Frog Kicks

According to Lee's wife Linda Lee Cadwell, one of Lee's favorite ab workouts were frog kicks. This maneuver can be performed at the gm on a bench or at home on the floor. Sitting with your legs straight, place your hands behind you on the bench or floor. Lean back slightly, lift your legs off the floor and then bend your knees towards your chest. Slowly straighten your legs again, keeping them off the floor at all times. Continue in this manner, bending and straightening your knees while placing your attention on your contracted abs. Be like Bruce and complete four sets of 50 reps.

Other Bruce Lee Favorites

Waist twists.
Situp twists.
Leg raises.
Leaning twists.
Side bends.
Back bends.

Warnings

Lee was an accomplished martial artist, perhaps the greatest the world has seen. Attempting his abs workout without proper training or preparation could lead to injury. Consult a pro about the best way to proceed.

References

Article reviewed by Jennifer Poole Last updated on: May 26, 2011

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