Abs of steel, Ab belt, Ab roller... The list goes on for gimmicks and gizmos used to sell the ultimate six-pack. No matter how we try, it seems the six-pack is reserved for the young and buff. However, if you consider combining just the right elements, you might get the results you desired. Sound too good to be true? Well, read on to discover the 5 best exercises for amazing abs.
Let it be said that 1,000 abdominal exercises a day aren't the "secret" to chiseled abs. It's a combination of cardiovascular activity, diet and genetics. Yep, sorry, genetics does play a part in whether or not you can define those abdominal muscles to the point of an enviable six-pack.
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In addition to diet and exercise, great abdominal exercises completed on a regular basis can help you achieve your goal of abs of steel, or at least come close to it. All you need is a fitball, 15 minutes and the eye of the tiger!
Crunches on Fitball (with or without weight)
Crunches on the fitball still rate as one my favorite ab exercises. This exercise really helps define abs more than most of the other exercises. Position yourself with back on the ball making sure that it is adequately inflated. Be sure your low back is well supported. Cross your hands over your chest and slowly roll your back down over the ball then begin to lift up feeling a strong abdominal contraction and repeat. To increase difficulty, you can hold a weight across your chest. Perform three sets of eight to 12 repetitions. Be sure to relax your neck if you feel your it coming in to play.
Abdominal Vacuum
This exercise is the best for working your Transversus Abdominis, the muscle that holds your tummy tight. Basically, it's a thin sheet of muscle running along the sides of the abs joining connective tissue, serving as your body's natural corset. Every time you suck in your stomach you are using your Transversus. Interestingly enough, the Transversus is the only muscle that allows you to "suck in" your stomach.
