Developing a set of six-pack abs is one of the most coveted fitness goals. It is important to note that you will not reach this goal by just performing abdominal exercises alone. Nutrition and cardiovascular exercise are key components in obtaining those washboard abs. Eating a diet low in fat and performing cardiovascular exercise, along with abdominal strengthening exercises, boost your metabolism, allowing your body to shed fat and expose your defined six-pack abdominal muscles.
Toe Touchers
Toe touchers are a great exercise to strengthen your midsection. To perform, lie on your back and raise your arms and legs toward the ceiling. Your body should be somewhat in the shape of a "U." Keeping your lower back touching the ground, crunch up, touching your toes with your fingertips. Perform three sets of 25.
Hanging Leg Raises
Hanging leg raises strengthen your lower abdominals. Hanging from a pull-up bar by your hands, with your legs hanging down, bring your knees up toward your chest until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Remember to focus on your midsection with slow controlled movements. Return to your starting position, rest, then repeat. Perform three sets of 25.
Oblique Plate Twists
Sitting on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you, slightly lean back and lift your legs off the floor. Holding a weighted plate and stiffening your body in this position, shift your body back and forth to the right and left, touching the plate on the floor when you reach each side. Perform three sets of 25 on each side.
Decline Reverse Crunch
Performing the reverse crunch is important when trying to obtain a six pack. Lie on your back on a decline bench, placing your head at the top of the bench. Using both hands, hold onto the top of the bench, and bring your legs out making them parallel to the floor. Roll your pelvis toward your rib cage, and slowly lower back to the starting position. Perform 3 sets of 25.
References
- "Fitness: The Complete Guide"; Frederick Hatfield; 2010
- Shape Fit: Six-Pack Ab Workouts -- Exercises to Get a Lean, Flat Stomach



Member Comments