Looking for good ab exercises

bfr65333 · February 2012

Does anyone know some good ab exercises that I can perform to tone my stomach? For some reason, this has always been my problem area. I am not overweight, but I would like to tone up more. I've been doing lots of cardio and various types of crunches so far. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Lobsters25 · February 2012

FI and I do leg push downs. I lay down and put my legs straight up. Then FI tries to throw my legs down as hard as he can, and I try to keep my legs and feet from hitting the mat, before bringing them back up. Then we swap. It's wonderful for lower abs.

DoyleNYCfitness · February 2012

Try some planks. Try shooting for 30 seconds to a min. Also side planks, are great, and you can try side plank reach throughs once you master those

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwRmic0GF80

Obviously that isnt me, but she gives a good demonstration of what I'm talk about.

Also, try a simple push up hold, it seems easy but its kinda hard if you hold it long enough:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2C1kNq08hQ

Again I'd aim for 1 min . its slightly modified, as the hips are a bit higher up, which takes the load, and therefor stress off the lower back.

Make sure to tense up as if somone was going to punch you in the stomach. Hopefully they don't!

All the best,

Greg

lbarr088 · February 2012

This is my go-to, it's called the ball transfer crunch. I hadn't done them in a bit and started back up again and I was so sore the following day. Great workout.

http://pertrainer.com/ExerciseTypes/Details/43

Ashleigh828 · February 2012

I agree with DoyleNYC... side planks are amazing! Once you feel comfortable with planks and side planks, try doing hip taps while in a side plank (tighting up your abs and tapping your hip to the floor and back up again). Another great plank workout is starting in a regular plank - holding for 30-60 sec - transferring to a side plank without dropping to the ground - hold for 30-60 sec - transferring back to center plank and then doing it on the other side. I have noticed a huge change in my abs since doing planks!

lbarr's suggestion is a great one as well. whatever ab workout you choose, make sure to change it up... you never want to do the same workout multiple days in a row. Don't let those muscles get comfortable!

LeiselEB · February 2012

Definitely planks!

Pilates also teaches how to tighten up those muscles - I cant remember the name of the video but it taught a breathing technique where you basically let your lungs expand sideways so that you can keep your front tight and still breathe normally.

lbarr088 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_looking-for-good-ab-exercises?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:336fa696-baab-4a6f-81c9-bf069e35dec9Post:2cd4821e-b3f0-4abf-8f30-c11acc8cd331">Re: Looking for good ab exercises</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with DoyleNYC... <strong>side planks are amazing! Once you feel comfortable with planks and side planks, try doing hip taps while in a side plank (tighting up your abs and tapping your hip to the floor and back up again). Another great plank workout is starting in a regular plank - holding for 30-60 sec - transferring to a side plank without dropping to the ground - hold for 30-60 sec - transferring back to center plank and then doing it on the other side.</strong> I have noticed a huge change in my abs since doing planks! lbarr's suggestion is a great one as well. whatever ab workout you choose, make sure to change it up... you never want to do the same workout multiple days in a row. Don't let those muscles get comfortable!
Posted by Ashleigh828[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I'll add one to this...</div><div>
</div><div>Use a light weight (under 10lbs... I usually use a 7.5) to do arm raises while doing a side plank. Swing your arm under your body then lift up so it is completely extended above your head (this is a medium paced motion). Repeat for as long as you hold the plank for.

</div>

acaponi87 · February 2012

-Planks

-Rows--balance on your butt..stretch your body out and then bring your knees and arms up in a rowing motion.

-Lay down on your back, sit on your hands. Keep your toes pointed and maintain your feet 6 inches from the ground for 30 seconds. Variation: do the same thing but flutter kick.

bfr65333 · February 2012

Thanks everyone! I'll check all of those videos/links out. I appreciate your help

Ashleigh828 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_looking-for-good-ab-exercises?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:336fa696-baab-4a6f-81c9-bf069e35dec9Post:304b3627-0e53-4259-b838-e1b6c8c5ca9e">Re: Looking for good ab exercises</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Looking for good ab exercises : I'll add one to this... Use a light weight (under 10lbs... I usually use a 7.5) to do arm raises while doing a side plank. Swing your arm under your body then lift up so it is completely extended above your head (this is a medium paced motion). Repeat for as long as you hold the plank for.
Posted by lbarr088[/QUOTE]

Love these as well! We did both this one and the ball one you posted earlier in class yesterday... wow! I can definitely feel it... so great!

bfr65333 · February 2012

I tried the regular & side planks yesterday and am feeling it today! Thanks again for all the suggestions.

Looking for good ab exercises

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