Want to know what the best abdominal exercises are? You might be surprised that you already know the answer to this question. The most beneficial ab exercises are not always the fanciest. A simple Copenhagen plank can sound silly, but then again, who else can properly execute it if you can't?
To help you sift through all the hype surrounding all the various ab exercise routines out there, dig deep to the root of all the misconceptions about your midsection, your core, and the best ab workout there is. You see, the most beneficial ab exercise you can do is the crunch. The reason is that, as compared to many other workouts, the crunch provides lower stress on the back, the pelvis, the legs, the hips, and the knees. Further, the benefits of doing a crunch are better than many other ab exercise routines. In fact, a simple crunch performed with proper form can do more to strengthen your entire midsection than any ab exercise you could do.
That's why the crunch remains one of the most popular abdominal workouts, and probably the most effective one. There are many exercises that train your abdominals and strengthen them, such as sit-ups, crunches, and knee bends, just to name a few. However, all these other exercises will do well to strengthen your abs, not specifically your obliques (the side muscles that run from your bottom on your spine.) The reason is that the obliques are the ones that make your backside firm, and in actuality, the muscles that make up your abs are made up of two different sets of muscles.
The first set of muscles, or abdominals, include the transverse abdominous, or the inner and outer abdominals; the rectus abdominis, or the front abs; and the internal or outer abdominis. These muscles work together to support your spine and to hold your torso upright. So by training these muscles separately, you won't train them to work as a single unit. Abdominal exercises, therefore, should be done together with movements that train other parts of your back, so that your full core is covered.
The next thing to consider when choosing an exercise is what your goal is. Are you trying to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your fitness level? If you're looking to build muscle, then you'll need to do exercises that force your legs to lift weights, which are known as squat exercises. By working your obliques together with your squats, you'll strengthen both sets of muscles. Squatting is also easier if your feet are at a comfortable height on the floor; about two feet apart from each other.
If you're looking to lose weight, a good full body ab workout will focus on your abdominals, but not the abs themselves. To target your abs, perform a standard aerobic exercise, then switch to an exercise that isolates the abs. For example, instead of running up to a set of dumbbells, begin a pushup by sitting on the edge of a mat. Pushups are similar to floor crunches, in that they require both upper and lower abdominal muscles. To do a good ab workout using the mat, use an abdominal mat that is designed to be firm, yet comfortable; this way you can get the most benefit without hurting yourself.
There are many different forms of core exercises, from yoga to Pilates to Tae-Bo. If you want to get the most out of your workout, however, you should combine these core exercises with cardiovascular and resistance training as well. You'll find that performing a well-rounded fitness program that provides a variety of fitness activities, as well as proper stretching, will go a long way towards keeping your body in shape and improving your overall health. By working your heart and lungs together, you'll burn more calories while getting a great cardio workout as well.
You'll also need to incorporate some cardio into your workouts, such as running or brisk walking. Some exercises, such as situps and pushups, will build muscle but not provide a cardiovascular workout. In order to get the most out of all of your core exercises, make sure you include a wide variety of cardio exercises as well. By running, jogging, walking, dancing, swimming, or doing aerobics in general, you'll be able to strengthen your muscles, burn more calories, and develop a better overall fitness level. The most effective workouts often combine cardio with core exercises in order to make sure that both parts of your body are well worked out. A well-rounded fitness program will help keep your body strong and healthy, which is important in today's society when so many people are dealing with various health problems and are on a never-ending path towards getting healthier and living longer.
