Planning Complete Ab Workout Routines

Complete ab workout routines should target all your abdominal muscles – the external and internal obliques, the transversal and the abdominis rectus also known as the six-pack. Because the six-pack is the most sought-after look, many routines focus on them. But health-wise and look-wise, all the muscle groups should be equally trained.

If you prefer doing a cardio routine, instead of an ab-focused workout, kickboxing and tae bo are great ways of achieving a complete workout routine. The leg kicking and knee lifting of both sports work out your lower abs, while the lateral crunches work out you obliques. And, of course, the whole workout has benefic effects over your entire body, as it boosts your metabolism, burns fat and elevates your mood.

Many ab exercises can be slightly modified, so that they focus on different muscle sub-groups. The crunches and the sit ups, for example, have so many versions that allow you to get a complete ab workout using the two basic exercises.

A basic crunch focuses on your six-pack. As you lie on your back with your knees bent and feet off the floor, you lift up your upper body and you bring in the knees at the same time, thus contracting the abdominis rectus. Even a small change, like two dumbbells in your hands, can make a huge difference and can make the exercise tougher.

A change in direction can turn the six-pack exercise into an oblique exercise. Thus, as you lift your upper body, twist to the right. While you twist to the right, bring in the right knee and lengthen the left leg so that it forms a 45 degree angle with the floor. Then twist to the left, while bringing in your left knee and lengthening the right leg.

Another version of the crunch focuses on the lower abs. Instead of lifting your upper body and knees, you just bring the knees in closer to the upper body, which lies on the floor. Unlike the regular crunch, when the feet are off the ground at all times, this reverse crunch allows you to touch the floor with your feet, as you lower the knees and feet.

The basic sit up requires you to lie down with your knees bent and feet on the ground. The exercise consists in you lifting up your upper body close to the knees. If you want to upgrade this exercise, you can place a chair or ball under your feet and then sit up. Or if you want to work on your obliques, you can twist your upper body as you sit up.

The exercise combinations are many and diverse. All you have to do is to be open to change, to be committed to getting fit and training your abs, and to be open to advice. You don’t need a personal trainer or a gym subscription to start working your abs. If you want, you can start at home. And later, as you become more and more advanced, you could resort to a trainer’s advice and supervision. But for now, just grab your mattress and let’s start the workout!

 

The Complete Book of Abs: Revised and Expanded Edition

• ISBN13: 9780375751431
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
Anyone who works out knows that abdominal exercises have progressed light-years beyond the basic sit-up. In fact, a whole new generation of ab exercises and machines have advanced abdominal workouts to new levels of sophistication, designed for maximum efficiency to provide the trim, toned midsection that everyone wants. But how do you put the exercises together into a routine for your specific physique and needs? The Complete Book of Abs shows you how.

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The Complete Book of Abs: Revised and Expanded Edition

The Complete Book of Abs Revised and Expanded

Brand:
Average Rating	53 reviews

Anyone who works out knows that abdominal exercises have progressed light-years beyond the basic sit-up. In fact, a whole new generation of ab exercises and machines have advanced abdominal workouts to new levels of sophistication, designed for maximum efficiency to provide the trim, toned midsection that everyone wants. But how do you put the exercises together into a routine for your specific physique and needs? The Complete Book of Abs shows you how.

 ¸  The first ab book for everyone–from beginners to fitness professionals

 ¸  More than one hundred ab exercises–from traditional crunches and sit-ups to such cutting-edge techniques as corkscrews and hanging knee raises–drawn from diverse sources, including gymnastics, yoga, and the martial arts

 ¸  Includes the Fifteen Minutes a Day to Ultimate Abs system, which will take you from an undeveloped stomach to a rippled washboard look in six months

 ¸  Dozens of favorite and new routines from America’s foremost coaches, trainers, and bodybuilders

 ¸  How to be your own personal trainer and put together your own routines

 ¸  The most up-to-date information on diet and nutrition, including a personal
template to maximize diet-exercise efficiency

Already a fitness classic, The Complete Book of Abs, is the definitive guide for abdominal toning and strengthening. No one who’s serious about working out should be without it. more info

OSIM uGallop Complete Core Exerciser

Brand:	Brookstone
Average Rating	2 reviews

Designed to simulate horseback riding, OSIM(R) uGallop shapes and tones key muscles in your hips, thighs, abs and back. The fast, fun way to workout in front of the TV! The uGallop is designed to simulate the multi-directional movements of horseback riding. Just riding uGallop helps tone your abs and improve reflexes, balance, even your posture. Fun, comfortable, low-impact exercise. uGallop’s tri-axial movement causes your body to respond automatically–engaging certain muscles to help maintain your balance, and at the same time shaping and toning your core muscles and boosting your reflexes and balance. Plus, it’s designed to help you stand taller by strengthening your core. The ergonomic design features a saddle-like seat with stirrups and a handle for greater comfort. Two workout programs–choose Shape & Tone or Posture & Balance, or create your own routine using the six manual speeds. Get a great core workout and have fun doing it–order your own OSIM(R) uGallop today! Any individual who may be pregnant or who has preexisting medical conditions that could be negatively impacted by rocking motion should consult with their physician prior to use. Anyone who has suffered a neck, back, knee or ankle injury or who suffers from chronic pain should avoid using uGallop. more info