Upper Ab Workout Techniques

Celebrities, models, and whoever else we see in beauty magazines fueled the “need” for us to get that tummy flattened. Exercising is one thing, achieving a flat tummy is another; since you have to do specific exercises for those abs. However, there is a catch. The abs we’re trying to flatten is a single muscle known as the rectus abdominus. While it is a single muscle, toning it can give you that six-pack look. To get that kind of look, you’ll need to do some upper ab workout.

Crunches are exercises that target your abdomen, but depending on how you do it, you can focus on one area of your abs. With some techniques, you can focus on one area of your abs. You’ll need to balance out your crunching routine to balance those abs. The targeting of the upper or lower abs isn’t complicated. The rules are: Moving your upper torso targets the upper abs more, and moving the hips or legs during the crunch works the lower abs more.

There are upper ab workout routines to get your upper abs in shape. They are, naturally, still crunches – done with a little style. Here are a few versions of these crunches for targeting the upper abs:

UV Crunch: This won’t require you to get a lot of sunshine. The UV crunch is named as such because you will be required to assume the position of either the letter U or letter V; the latter if you are more flexible. The crunch starts out with you lying on your back with your legs supported to be elevated at a 45 degree angle for the V crunch, or pointed to the ceiling for the U crunch. While you have your hands behind your head, lift your shoulders off the floor to assume the position of either letter.

Frog Leg Crunch: The frog leg crunch will have you lie on your back, feet together, and knees spread. While you have your hands behind your head, lift your shoulders off the floor without your legs moving out of position. Harder versions of the frog leg crunch include crossing the ankles, or extending your arms above your head instead of having your hands behind it while doing the crunch.

Semi-Crunch: This kind of crunch is a little more difficult. The semi-crunch starting position can be anything; the basic being laying face down with legs together and knees bent, pointing up. While you have your hands behind your head, bring your shoulders off the floor. As your return from the crunch, don’t let your head touch the floor.

Crunches are the best exercises to perform if you need to tone your abs. But whatever crunch you do, the whole abdominal muscle is being toned. The aforementioned crunches, for instance, may emphasize more on the upper abs, but they will still work your lower abs a little.