A Guide To Abs Exercise

What's the best way to build abdominal muscles?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Abdominal muscles are the most desired muscles that people (male or female) want developed and improved.

Usually, the questions are followed by comments such as, "I do 100 sit-ups a day and I'm not seeing any results.”

The core musculature or abdominal region is made up of many different muscles and muscle groups. To target the entire core area one must address each of the muscle groups and do a specific abs exercise for each. All the abs exercise one does must correspond to improving not only aesthetics but also their natural function if you want results.

The following is just one example of abs exercise:

Lower Abdominal: Leg Cycle Alternate

Lay down on your back on the floor exercise mat. With your feet about 6-8 inches away from your gluteus maximus (bottom) contract the lower abdominals and slowly lift one leg up until the knee is pointing towards the ceiling. Gradually extended your leg away from the body as if you were peddling a bicycle. Return the leg to the previous position and gently lower your foot to the floor. Always maintain lower abdominal contraction while doing this abs exercise.

If you find this abs exercise difficult and you lose contraction of your lower abdominals as your leg is an extended note that distance. That is your starting distance point for this abs exercise. This is the point by which your lower abdominal maintain stability. Only go to this point until you feel stronger and more stable. Then gradually work up to a full-extended leg on each side. Make sure to keep the lower abdominal tightened while doing this abs exercise so your lower back does not arc.

Gently lower legs back to the starting position. Lift the opposite leg and follow the above instructions. Alternate legs for the desired amount of repetitions. Always pay close attention to your lower abdominals.

There are misconceptions about abs exercise as well. For example; If you do abs exercise everyday, you're guaranteed a six-pack.

This misconception was funneled through the bodybuilding world. Muscle tissue is muscle tissue. It needs to rest and recover just like your biceps or legs do. You would not do 100 barbell curls everyday if you were training your biceps, would you? Simple anatomy debunks this approach unless you are using some performance enhancing substances. Build the tissue gradually through abs exercise and burn the fat through diet.