What is a good abdominal workout?

Answer:
When most people think of abdominal training

they think of the sit up. Actually, the sit up isn't a very functional ab exercise. In fact, I never do sit ups when I train abs. The main function of the abdominal wall...

is to support the upper body and lower back. Therefore, what is known as core work is important to a good ab routine.

I like to make a good core exercise the one I start with. My favorite is what is called plank abs. The position is a lot like a push up (in fact, push ups are a great ab exercise). Unlike the push up, you are on your forearms, with the upper arm perpendicular to the floor(that's up and down for all of you....well). Hold this position while not letting your back collapse for as long as you can. Each workout, try and do it for longer. Get beyond three minutes, and you'll have a mean core.

I then like to follow that up with leg lifts. Lie on your back with your arms along your side. I like to put my hands slightly under my butt, with my palms facing the floor. With your legs straight, raise them to 90 degrees and then lower them under control. Again, do as many as possible.

I finish the routine with regular crunches. I keep my feet on the floor without putting my toes under anything, my knees bent, and either cross my arms at my chest or make fists by my ears. I then simply curl my torso until I feel a good "crunch". Do as many as you can on all of these exercises and you'll have all of the ab work that you need.


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