Effective Ab Exercises
With winter coming it's easy to let that extra little bit of tummy paunch get out of control. If you cringe at the thought of a crunch or sit up, then it's time to modify your exercise program. Even if you're not hoping to get a washboard stomach, ab exercises strengthen your core. This can significantly reduce neck and backaches as well as reduce tummy fat. In this article, we'll go through some easy exercises that will help you slim down without a single crunch.
As you begin your exercise and fitness program it's important that you recognize that results will take time, as well as a lot of dedication and effort. You should also check with your doctor to make sure that you are healthy enough for the program you choose. People with lower back injuries should be especially careful when doing abdominal exercises. To strengthen your core, try using a stability ball to do your crunches instead of lying on the floor. You can also use the small bubble used for physical therapy. Some stability balls have soft rubber spikes built into the surface that give you a wonderful massage as you rock back and forth. If you have a large, sturdy stability ball, then use it at your desk as a substitute for your office chair. By sitting up and balancing your weight on the ball, you'll give yourself an ab workout without even knowing it.
Leg lifts are another effective alternative to sit ups. Lie on the floor with your legs straight out and your hands at your sides. Lift your legs straight up (not bending your knees at all) until they're at a 90 degree angle or as close to it as you can get. Lower your legs and repeat without letting your legs touch the floor. Performing this exercise on a yoga mat will make you more comfortable. If you belong to a gym, there is equipment that will allow you to raise yourself up using your arms as support and dangle your legs. This exercise will help to firm up the lower abdomen. Just be careful not to strain your back.
Ducking and twisting are simple ab exercises that stretch and strengthen your muscles and you can do it as you go about your usual activities. For example, to get an item that is on your right hand side, reach for it with your left hand and vice versa. If you have to look behind you, do it by keeping your hips in place and twisting at the waist. These simple motions stretch your muscles for a leaner look.
Doing ab exercises regularly isn't enough to get sculpted, six-pack abs. Nutrition plays a big part too. Start by giving up high calorie sodas and energy drinks and start reaching for good old fashioned water instead. Ideally, you should be drinking about two liters of water a day. Not only will this keep you hydrated, it will stave off the hunger pangs. You should also avoid sugar and starchy foods like white bread and rice. Your body tends to quickly metabolize these foods into fat. Most importantly, stay motivated and remember that missing a day of exercise or indulging in a piece of cake isn't the end of the world. Simply get back into your routine the next day and look forward to a slimmer, trimmer you.
Stability Ball Ab Exercises
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Balance Ball Fitness - Abs Workout [VHS] $2.47 There are plenty of ways to work the abs using a stability ball, and instructor Suzanne Deason uses them all. Deason is a yoga and Pilates instructor who incorporates both disciplines in this rigorous, slow-paced workout for the abdominals and back. Deason instructs soothingly and interrupts the workout several times for needed stretches and rest breaks, but your abs will still scream by the end o... |
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Core Training System Fitness Trainer [VHS] $89.99 This is the most intelligently designed half-ball workout system out there. Our Core Training System offers five complete workout routines: 1) Pilates-based core strengthening, 2) resistance training for lean muscle, 3) stretching and breathing to promote flexibility, 4) sculpting and toning exercises, and 5) a balance/cardio workout. The reversible, inflatable dome increases your fitness results ... |
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Pilates For Beginners & Beyond Boxed Set (Pilates for Inflexible People / Pilates Complete for Weight Loss / Pilates Complete Sculpt and Tone) $9.99 This 3 DVD set has everything you need to begin learning Pilates and to progress at your own pace. Never before has a has a single collection of Pilates DVDs contained so much valuable information to help you explore the hworld of Pilates. Be inspired and motivated with this amazing library that will grow with you for years to come. DVD HIGHLIGHTS: * Over 40 routines for a wide range of ... |
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10 Minute Solution: Fitness Ball Workouts $3.79 No time to exercise? Well, here's the fix for you! The 10 Minute Solution: Fitness Ball Workouts DVD features instructor Kimberly Spreen, who has developed 5 distinctive and ultra-effective fitness ball workouts designed to help you tighten and tone your body.... |
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10 Minute Solution: Pilates $3.29 Studio: Starz/sphe Release Date: 11/11/2008 Run time: 56 minutes... |
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TKO Fitness Ball $24.99 The TKO Fitness Ball undergoes several rigorous tests, including a resistance test. Thanks to its superior construction, TKO's Fitness Ball can withstand over 1,200KG (2,645 Lbs) of pressure.... |
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Gaiam Balance Ball Chair The Gaiam Balance Ball Chair, developed under the consultation of chiropractic pioneer Dr. Randy Weinzoff, greatly alleviates the aching back/legs/arms syndrome that comes from working at a desk for hours. Designed for people between 5-feet and 5-feet, 11-inches tall, this unique chair employs the same balance ball used in your workout routine, but with an adjustable support bar, easy-glide caster... |
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GoFit 75cm Professional Stability Ball $44.99 The GoFit Ultimate Burst Resistant Core Stability Ball is a fun, yet challenging way to stretch, tone and tighten your body. The ball total body workout is very efficient, allowing you to see the results you want in a much quicker period of time. As a general rule, the exercise ball should be large enough so that when you sit on it, your knees bend at a 90 degree angle.... |
