HOW TO GET SEXY ABS


One of the most common fitness questions this time of year is “How can I get my stomach in shape for swimsuit season?” Most people believe that the quick route to 6-pack abs is hundreds of sit-ups or abdominal crunches. And, yeah…you’ll need to get started on that, hundred(s) are a MINIMUM number :)

The reality is that even if you do crunches every day you aren’t guaranteed to get the stomach of your dreams. Getting defined abs requires much more work than just abdominal crunches. Plus, as far as stomach exercises go, sit-ups are passe and crunches alone won’t be your salvation.

The basics to seeing your abdominals is removing wha covers them up: body fat. So the key to sexy abs is losing body fat. And, the key to reducing body fat is a comprehensive fitness program consisting of cardiovascular and strength training, combined with a good healthy diet. Sorry, that’s the truth! Good examples of cardio exercises are: walking, swimming, aerobics, and jogging. Strength training can be done with dumbbells, resistance bands or your own body weight.

Traditional crunches can be a part of your abdominal training, but shouldn’t be the only part. To most effectively work your stomach, think about adding rotational work. Rotation exercises are those that include twisting-type motions. Regular crunches do not fall into the rotational category because you simply lift your body straight up and down.

To most effectively train your abs, incorporating a lot of variety is key. Do this by including different positions and equipment. This will allow your muscles to be challenged continually, which is what makes them stronger and more defined. There are hundreds of different ways to work your abs, including exercises on your side, on a ball, hanging from a straight bar, etc.

Remember the importance of form. Correct form when performing abdominal exercises, increases the effectiveness and prevents injury.

Tips for correct form include:

- Don’t pull your head

- Keep your belly button pulled down toward the navel

Here are two basic exercises: if you start working out today, you can show-off sexy toned abs in time for summer!


Basic Crunch: Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands lightly on your forehead. Using your abdominal muscles pull your navel down, lift your shoulders a few inches off the ground, pause briefly and return to start position.

Oblique Twist With Ball: Begin by sitting on the ball. Walk feet forward until ball is resting under your back, with your back parallel to the floor. Place hands lightly on the forehead. Using your abdominal muscles slowly pull your navel down lifting your shoulder blades off of the ball and rotate left shoulder toward right hip. Return to center position and repeat then switch sides.

Maintain your form and perform each exercise for the duration that your form remains controlled. The second you lose control of your form, rest, and then give it another shot - you’ll be summer ready in no time!