Allison Evans

An Ab Workout for Every Level

Here is a killer collection of ab workouts for every level, no matter your level of fitness!

The abdominal muscles are without a doubt one of the most difficult muscle groups to sculpt.  Many perform crunch after crunch with no results. Instead of wasting your time on ab exercises that aren't working for you, follow this ab workout guide, do cardiovascular exercise at least 4 times a week and eat a healthy diet, and you will begin to see definition in your abs over time.  This ab workout will be worth your time! Remember to increase your reps or sets as the ab workouts become easier.

Beginner Ab Workout - Try 3 sets of 10 reps for each exercise. 

Basic Crunch - Lie on your back with your hands crossed across your chest or with your fingers on the sides of your head. Place your feet on the floor with legs bent. To begin the exercise, lift your torso, lifting shoulder blades off the floor and crunching your rib cage towards your lower belly. Hold for two counts, then lower slowly to the starting position.

Reverse Crunch - Lie on your back with knees bent, feet a few inches off the floor. Slowly contract the abdominals, focusing on rotating the pelvis up and bringing your knees towards your rib cage. Concentrate on letting your abs do the work. Hold at the top then slowly lower your knees to the starting position.

Intermediate Ab Workout -Try 3 sets of 8-10 reps for each exercise.

Toe Touchers - Lie on your back on the floor on a mat. Elevate your legs straight up into the air and point both of your arms straight up into the air as well having your body form a sort of giant "U." Make sure you keep your lower back pressed flat into the ground. Exhale and crunch forward, touching your toes with your finger tips. Remember to let your abs do the work.

Scissor Kicks - Start by lying flat on your back on a mat with your arms by your sides and your palms down. Extend your legs fully with a slight bend in your knees. Lift your heels about 6 inches off the floor. Make small, rapid up and down scissor-like motions with your legs. The key is to focus on having your midsection do the work and to keep your abs constantly contracted throughout the exercise.

Advanced Ab Workout

Flat Bench Leg Pull Ins - Sit on a flat bench with your legs off the end. Place your hands to your sides, grasping the edge of the bench with each hand. Extend your legs straight out and lean your back at a 45 degree angle. Bring your knees in toward your midsection, making sure that your abs are doing the work in a slow and controlled fashion. Continue until muscle fatigue.

Side Bridge - Start by lying on a mat with your legs straight out. Turn sideways holding your body up with one bent arm parallel to the floor. Keep your abs tight until 30-60 seconds. A great sports specific exercise. Increasing your time as you gain strength.

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