5 Ab Exercises That Work
Sunday, September 20, 2009 5:32There’s massive money in abdominals, and the fitness giants know it. So, instead of leading you straight to the information, they’ve created thousands of products designed to stop you from getting what you want, and keep on paying for the newest and most technically advanced ab machine. The problem? 99% of these abdominal contraptions are bogus. Don’t let yourself waste your precious time and money on these false workouts, instead focus on the ab exercises that really work, and leave your money in your pocket and your fat sweating off your body. These five exercises will have you working your way towards great abs in no time at all.
#1 – The Deadlift
Known as the king of exercises, the deadlift isn’t for wimps. As one of the three core lifts of international powerlifters, the deadlift is associated with big, musclebound strongmen. Don’t get worried though, deadlifts won’t make you look like a giant overnight. It takes a very specific diet to get the type of physique that those guys have, and without it, deadlifts will simply work out your legs, back, and abs very effectively. A true must for any ab routine.
#2 – The Squat
While the squat is primarily a leg exercise, it relies on the abdominals in order to keep the body straight and safe during the lift. When you’re balancing weight on your shoulders, your body needs to engage your abdominals to keep itself upright. Move through the movement and keep your abs reasonably tense, and your chest puffed out. While your legs may ache right afterwards, it’ll be your abs that see the true benefit in a couple of months.
#3 – The Sit Up
This is a classic abdominal isolation exercise, and is incredibly effective when performed alongside the two other major lifts. For best results, do your sit ups at the end of your weights routine, and after any major cardio. Isolation exercises are always best done at the end of your routine, as they stress muscle groups that have already been exercised in your major lifts.
#4 – The Military Press
This is another weighted exercise, and one that also exercises your chest, shoulders and arms. In order to engage the abdominals, you need to stand upright while performing this lift — sitting down takes the strain off your abdominals and instead places it on your legs. Simply push your weights from shoulder height to above your head, all the while using your abdominals to keep your body straight and upright.
#5 – The Leg Raise
This one requires a small amount of equipment, but nothing that your local gym can’t provide. Another great exercise to end your routine with, the leg raise involved hanging from either a chin-up bar or a leg raise frame, and simply raising your legs to your waist, all the while keeping them perfectly straight and pointed. Save this one for the end of your routine — it’ll exhaust your stomach and leave your abs pumped.
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