What are the best abdominal exercises for you? The answer to that often depends on your ultimate goal. Most people want to know the best stomach exercises that will get rid of their belly fat as quickly as possible, yet exercising alone will do very little to help get rid of mid-section fat. The belief that you can spot reduce an area through targeted exercises is a myth. The influence of marketing companies keeps consumers believing that they can work a certain area on their bodies and it will magically remove fat away from that spot. That is just not how the body works.
From a certified personal trainers' point of view, the most effective and the best abdominal exercises to choose include abdominal crunches that work and flex the upper abdominals and act as a foundation for your entire workout. Two of these are reverse crunches, which strengthen the lower abdominals and side bends, and which work on the lateral oblique muscles. There is also the bicycle; whether a traditional or stationary model.
There have been studies done to find the safest abdominal exercises that measure the work-to-compression ratio. The researchers looked at nine abdominal exercises and compared the muscles worked in the abdomen to the pressure exerted in the lower back during each exercise. Based on the study, the exercise that worked the abdominal muscles the hardest, while putting the least amount of pressure on the lower back, were crunches (with the feet on a bench or ball). With the feet lifted, it takes away some of the arc in the lower back and takes pressure off of the joints. Alternatively, the stomach exercises that worked the abdominal muscles the hardest and also put the most pressure on the lower back were the double-hanging leg raises.
Have you also thought about exercises for the obliques? The internal and external oblique muscles actually work the hardest when you move forward, as in crunches or sit ups; however, in order to maximize your workout you should also include rotation, twisting or side bends. If you are looking for the best exercises to strengthen the oblique muscles, then they include side planks, bicycle crunches or oblique crunches.
It is true that uncovering abs requires constant monitoring of how much you eat, what you eat and when you eat. Yet eating well and adhering to a strict exercise regime is no easy feat. It takes patience and discipline. However, if others can tone their abdominal muscles, trim their belly fat and get flat abs, then so can you. A certified fitness trainer advising you on the best abdominal exercises and some self-motivation can get you on the right track to a flatter, fitter core.
Joanna has been writing articles for online and offline publications for over 5 years. Visit her newest websites at
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Joanna has been writing articles for online and offline publications for over 5 years. Visit her newest websites at http://www.perfectdietplan.com/ to find reviews on the easiest ways to lose weight and http://www.weightlossnewbies.com/ for helpful articles and tips on losing weight and healthy dieting. |
