Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Best Gym Workouts for Abdominal Muscles

By Jose R. Farino

It's no question that when you are going to the gym, you are looking for workouts to help improve your abs. Not all workouts are created equal, so it is important to focus on gym workouts that will help you the most.

Remember to work your upper abs, lower abs, and obliques. If you don't work them all out, you will end up with uneven muscle tone. Crunches, side crunches, and sit ups are good to make sure you are working out all the ab muscles.

Captain's Chair should be done at the gym with a machine. It is one of the most effective gym workouts for the abs. Start with legs dangling and slowly lift your knees in toward your chest. The motion should be controlled and deliberate as you bring your knees up and return them back to the starting position.

Reverse Crunches lift the legs up to the torso rather than lifting the torso to the knees. This will work to strengthen the lower abs.

The Bicycle Crunch has been determined as one of the most effective workouts to help strengthen your abs. Start by Lie face up on the floor and place your fingers behind your head. Bring your knees in towards your chest and lift your shoulder off the floor while avoiding putting any strain on your neck. Straighten your left leg out while Concurrently turning the upper body to the right, bringing the left elbow towards the right knee. Switch sides, bringing your right elbow In the direction of the left knee. Continue switching sides in a 'pedaling' motion for 15-20 reps.

The Reverse Crunch lifts the legs up to the torso, rather than lifting the torso to the knees. It works the lower abs rather than the upper abs.

Ab Crunches with an Exercise Ball will give regular ab crunches more uumph. These should be done the same way as regular crunches, while sitting on an exercise ball.

With these tips and tricks, anyone who enjoys going to the gym or is determined to flatten that tummy will surely see flatter abs from gym workouts soon. Remember though, as important as it is to focus on gym workouts and fitness, it is just as important to focus on healthy eating. If you're not burning fat while building those muscles, you will not be able to see them. - 15438

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