The abs are one of the most important parts of the muscular system. They are needed for balance, power output and good postural alignment. When you do ab exercises, not only can you enhance your sport performance, but you can also improve your performance with daily activities as well. Easy ab exercises should involve your upper abs, lower abs and obliques.
Reverse Crunches
Reverse crunches can be done on your back. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground. Place your hands on the sides of your head. Curl your upper body off the ground as you lift your feet off the floor, and bring your chest toward your knees. Lower your upper body back down and extend your legs straight out. Repeat for a series of reps.
Hanging Knee Raises
Hanging knee raises can be done with the aid of a pull-up bar. Jump up and grab the bar with a shoulder-width overhand grip and let your legs hang straight down. Bring your knees up toward your chest and squeeze your abs for a second. Lower your legs back down and repeat.
Side Crunches
Side crunches target your obliques. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands on the sides of your head, curl your body up and twist to your left. Try to get your right elbow to touch your left knee. Lower yourself back down, and crunch up again. This time, bring your left elbow toward your right knee. Continue alternating to each knee.
Side Bends
Side bends are an oblique exercise that can be done with the help of a dumbbell. Hold the dumbbell in your right hand, and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place your left hand on your hip or the left side of your head. Bend to your right laterally and lower the dumbbell toward the floor. Bend back up until your body is straight and repeat. Do a set of reps and switch sides.
Planks
Planks are an isometric exercise which means there is no lengthening or shortening of muscles. Start out lying flat on your stomach. Place your forearms on the ground and curl your toes under your feet. Push your hips up in the air until your back becomes straight. Contract your abs to make this happen and hold for 20 to 30 seconds.
Stability Ball Crunches
Stability balls are training tools that can be used to do a number of ab exercises. A crunch on the ball is a basic exercise. Lie on the ball with your mid-back in contact with the ball. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands on the sides of your head, and curl your body up by contracting your abs. Squeeze forcefully and slowly lower yourself back to the starting point.
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