Often people equate sit-ups, or crunches, as the only means of toning abs, or abdominal muscles. However, toning without building strength does little to prevent injury, help posture, and improve balance. In order for strength to be obtained, a series of different exercises need to be incorporated into a person’s routine. Below are a few suggestions on what kind of exercises will tone and increase strength.
Three by threes. The abdominal muscles are made up of three areas the top, bottom, and oblique (side) abs muscles. The top and bottom sets of muscles produce the six-pack look seen on many top athletes. The obliques run on either side of these from top to bottom.
Number one: While lying on the floor, raise the knees so feet are flat on the floor. Grasp the hands together behind the head and slowly raise the torso to the sitting position. Pause for a moment and then slowly roll back to the original position. This exercises the top set of abs.
Number two: Repeat the beginning position, however, extend the arms straight over the head. Have something stable and heavy of which to grab hold. Raise the knees lifting up as high as possible. Return feet to the floor.
To exercise the obliques – three: Assume the same starting position with hands behind the neck. When raising the torso twist it by aiming the right elbow toward the left knee. Hold this for a brief time, return to the beginning position by slowly lowering the torso. Repeat on the opposite side. For each of these three crunches, slowly increase the repetitions (reps) to ten.
The planks. The plank positions create strength by using the body’s own weight. For the basic plank, get into the position for doing push-ups. Have legs extended and balance on the toes. Instead of raising up on the palms, support by the upper body by using only the forearms. Hold this position, working up from 10 seconds up to 30 seconds. Lower the body, rest, and repeat slowly increase your reps as strength improves.
The plank for the sides: Get on the floor, lying on the side with ankles on top of each other. Raise the upper body by putting the forearm on the floor. The forearm will act as a prop to hold the body up. Make sure the body is in a straight line from ears to toes. Hold for ten to thirty seconds. Repeat when possible.
These exercises are but a few of many exercises for toning abs and creating a strong torso. To find the routine that best suits your needs, just search the term abs. The results will be vast.
We all need to constantly tone our abs and need the best abs exercise that works for us all. We have a good way to start toning abs quick and simple. To find out more about these exercises, you should hear what we got to say.
