Top Abdominal Moves

Submitted by journeygym on Sat, 05/01/2010

With help from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), here are the top moves to whittle your middle.

Do these moves for 2 sets of 12-20 repetitions twice a week and you'll be well on your way to a stronger stomach.  But, as we all know, there is a six pack under there and ab moves is only part of the challenge.  While building muscle tone in your abs and throughout your body will boost your metabolism and help burn fat, you also may need to improve your eating habits.  Review our "Nutrition Basics" and "Eat Real Food. Period" articles for more information.



Crunch - The standard crunch is a mainstay for abdominal exercises.  Use the journey gym to add resistance by holding the resistance handle as you lift yourself from the bench.

 

 


Plank - The plank is a great way to build endurance in the abs and back along with working the obliques.  You can increase difficulty by doing a decline plank with your feet on the journey gym.



Side Bend - Utiltzing the journey gym, this is a clean resistance crunch to work your obliques, or the side muscle group of the abdominals, which are often under worked.

Kick Outs - This simple, yet effective, abdominal move is excellent for the lower abdominals and can improve your leg strength as well.  It provides an easy and "back pain free" way to improve your stomach.