Toning abs is something people have spent hours at the gym doing for decades. They want to look good, show off their rock hard stomach, and be admired. And, while they are doing it for their looks, they are also getting other benefits that they may not have even thought about. Deep abdominal muscles are the key to good posture, easy breathing, and keeping back pain at bay. These muscles are the belt of the body, supporting your back and flattening your waist at the same time, which is why it is important that you tone the whole abdominal area, which is easy with just a few of the right exercises.

You can work the upper and lower body at the same time you strengthen your abs with vertical crunches. This is the same as a basic crunch, but your legs are extended into the air. To properly do this it is important to tighten the abs as you lift the shoulder blades from the floor. As you reach your head up, you want to force your belly button down. The movement should be slow going up, and going down.

The Russian twist, which is also called the seated oblique twist, uses a medicine ball and is very effective in strengthening your core. You sit on a mat with your knees bent and feel flat. Tighten up your abs and lean back to a 45-degree angle while holding the medicine ball in both hands in front of you. You simply twist side to side, touching the ball to the floor on each side of you, as you contract your abs. Remember to always have your abs contracted with each twist to get the most from this move.

The oblique crunch will target the whole abdominal muscle. To prepare for this move you need to lie on your back on a mat, knees are bent and feet on floor. Keeping your knees together let them drop slowly to the right side of your body. They can rest either near or on the floor. Keeping your hands at the sides of your head, make sure your back is not arched and is pushed down into the mat, and then curl up slowly. The shoulders should only lift a few inches off the mat during this. After you are finished on one side, you begin again on the other.

To work the rectus abdominis, the external obliques, and the internal obliques, the v-sit up is the best choice. As you sit on the floor, tighten your abdominal muscles and lift your legs to a 45-degree angle. Then you reach your arms straight in front of you, or up towards your toes if possible. Use the core of your body to stay still. At first, you’ll only be able to hold it a few seconds, but as your core strengthens, it will be longer. After a few seconds, lower your feet to the floor, and repeat several more times.

Plank – This exercise will strengthen the abs, back, and shoulders at the same time. This is one exercise where it is important that your abs are always tight and you remember to breathe. Lie face down with your upper body resting on your forearms. Using your forearms and your toes, push your body up, keeping it in a straight line. Keep the abs tight so that the butt does not go up in the air. Hold this position for a minute and lower.

Exercising isn’t just for looking good; it is for a healthy body and life. Toning abs can be done with a multitude of different exercises, and making sure you work the whole muscle will ensure that you are strengthening your core and creating a strong belt for your body. Keeping your abs toned won’t only get you admiration from others, but it will reduce our risk of back pain while flattening your waist at the same time.

When your goal is toning abs, you know it requires determination and persistence. It also helps to locate the best abs exercise and add it to your regular routine.

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