Abdominal Muscles are more important than you think. Those beautiful muscles are what holds your body together strong. They give you that great posture. Your abs attach to your spine and pelvis, that contributes to balancing your back in to having a great posture. So many times, when your back is not supported in the correct way, by using the abdominal muscles and back muscles, then you get that terrible back pain that is horrible. Many people do not realize this, they may dismiss it as a thought of they are aging and that’s why their body is feeling like that. This is really not something to just be taken lightly. If there is something that can take away this pain or discomfort, then act upon it before time goes by and then your body is too tired to work for you. You need to keep in mind one of the best ways to prevent back pain without taking pills or injections, or even a patch on it, is to strengthen your abdominal muscles.
I will give at least two abdominal exercises that are my favorites, and most effective for women or men. Now, at first it will be hard, but anything new is always challenging. Keep motivated by knowing you are helping your body not just for looks but for your life. A healthier you is a happier you.
Reverse Crunch
This abs exercise is almost as great as the bicycle crunch, it is the most effective movement for targeting the oblique; these are your muscles along the sides of your abdomen. No exercise equipment is required. This exercise is somewhat similar to a crunch, however you will not be lifting your upper body, you will lift your legs meanwhile your torso stays put. Begin by lying flat on your back, raise your legs off the ground to about a 90-degree angle bend at the knees. Now spread your arms out to the side, with your palms facing to the floor. While you exhale, slowly you need to contract your abs and raising your hip off the floor, rolling your lower spine while you bring in your knees toward your chest. While you inhale, nice and slow you should lower your spine back toward the floor in a controlled movement until your hips are back in the starting position. One set of 8 to 12 reps is best for beginners.
Bicycle Crunches
This move is known to be the best overall for the ACE study; it was almost 150 percent more effective at working the abdominals than the traditional crunches. You start by laying flat on your back, and make sure to press your lower back against the floor. Keep your hands behind your head with your elbows pointing forward, and raise your feet off the floor, keeping your knees bent, your thighs should be at about a 45-degree angle to the floor. Slowly begin by pedaling your legs as if you were riding a bike. Now as your left knee comes in toward your chest, you should touch your right elbow to your knee and then touch the left elbow to your right knee. If you just can not avoid pulling on your head with your hands, touch your hands to your ears instead of placing them behind your head. Make sure you do not forget to breathe throughout this exercise. Start with 1 set of 10 to 14 repetitions ultimately aiming for 2 or 4 sets.
If you want to work your abs without working out, look into the Flex Belt. It allows you to strap it on and do whatever you want while the belt works your abs. You can read about my experience with the Flex Belt, here.
