Monday, December 8, 2008

Make Good Ab Workouts Great: 7 Hot Tips

By Roland du Preez

Are you struggling to get the best out of your ab workouts? Don't you know which ones to choose? Confused? Let me give you some helpful tips that will help you turn a good ab workout, into a great ab workout.

1. To make sure an ab exercise is effective you need to make sure that you feels your muscles working, either pushing or pulling. If you can't feel anything, it's highly unlikely that the exercise is effective.

2. Don't just do. Concentrate on what you are doing, to make sure you are using your abs. If you are pulling with your arms or legs, or using the momentum of the exercise, the exercise will be much less effective.

3. Use an exercise ball. By lifting the exercise up from the floor, on to an exercise ball, you will be strengthening your whole core. Your body will be using more muscles to prevent you from falling off.

4. Here are some great ab workouts for you to try:

Toe Raises. Lie flat on the floor, with your hands on your hips. Lift your legs straight up, with your toes pointing towards the ceiling. Slowly lower. Do 15 repetitions.

V-Sit. Start with lying flat on the floor, with your hands by your sides. Lift your legs and your upper body at the same time, making a V with your body. Only your bottom should be on the floor. Slowly go back to the starting position. Do 10 repetitions. Or at least as many as you can manage.

5. But let's not forget about the most important ab workout - A Healthy Diet. That's right. What you put in your mouth will make the biggest difference on how your body looks. Start spoiling your body with healthy foods, such as whole grains, lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of fibres. And don't forget to drink water.

6. Have a balanced workout. All your muscles need to be trained for optimal result. If you are working your abs, you mustn't forget your back, and so on.

7. If you want a nice, toned six pack, or just a really flat stomach, you need to lower your body fat percentage. The best way to do this is to have a good aerobic program worked into your exercise routine.

Use these seven tips, and you will get the best out of already good ab workouts. - 16463

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