Friday, February 27, 2009

Best Gym Workouts for Abdominal Muscles

By Jose R. Farino

It's no question that when you are going to the gym, you are looking for workouts to help improve your abs. Not all workouts are created equal, so it is important to focus on gym workouts that will help you the most.

Remember to work your upper abs, lower abs, and obliques. If you don't work them all out, you will end up with uneven muscle tone. Crunches, side crunches, and sit ups are good to make sure you are working out all the ab muscles.

Captain's Chair is one of the most effective ab gym workouts. Start with legs dangling and slowly lift your knees in toward your chest. The motion should be controlled and deliberate as you bring your knees up and return them back to the starting position.

Reverse Crunches lift the legs up to the torso rather than lifting the torso to the knees. This will work to strengthen the lower abs.

Bicycle Crunches are some of the most effective for working toward a six pack. To do a bicycle crunch you will need to: Lie face up on the floor and lace your fingers behind your head. Bring the knees in towards the chest and lift the shoulder blades off the ground and do not pull on the neck. Straighten the left leg out while simultaneously turning the upper body to the right, bringing the left elbow towards the right knee. Switch sides, bringing the right elbow towards the left knee. Continue alternating sides in a 'pedaling' motion for 12-16 reps.

Vertical Leg Crunches will help strengthen the lower abs, and help women get rid of the pooch associated with pregnancy. Lift the legs straight into the air while lifting the head and shoulders off the ground toward the torso.

Ab Crunches with an Exercise Ball are done the same way as a traditional ab crunch. If done while sitting on the exercise ball, it will give these ab crunches an extra boost.

With these tips and tricks, anyone who enjoys going to the gym or is determined to flatten that tummy will surely see flatter abs from gym workouts soon. Remember though, as important as it is to focus on gym workouts and fitness, it is just as important to focus on healthy eating. If you're not burning fat while building those muscles, you will not be able to see them. - 15995

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