Effective Ab Exercises

[amandakaye]

Hi all, I currently work out 5 days a week, cardio and strength training. I have been consistenly working every part of my body since Feb, but have yet to do any ab exercises. The reason is, I am scared of building up muscle under that layer of fat that is still there, and making my stomach bigger. I need some advice from your personal experience on the most effective ab exercises. Also, I would like to hear about other's success with ab exercises.

I just wonder if it is possible to form nice looking abs, when you still have some fat to lose in that area.

[ttdriver]

Re: Effective Ab Exercises

Amanda, I strongly suggest doing crunches on the stability ball. I've been doing them for several years and have developed a very good "six pack", even after gaining 50+ pounds with a pregnancy, and having 4 abdominal surgeries .... and I'm 52. Also, I strongly suggest doing serious cardiovascular exercise. Running has really tightened my "core".

Betty

[Tommy]

Re: Effective Ab Exercises

Agree with the above post, some research has shown that using the ab balls increases progress compared to normal ab exercises without using the ball.

However there are many alternatives and additional types of exercises you can do for the different muscle groups in your stomach.

One of my favorite books is:
The Complete Book of Abs: Revised and Expanded Edition

It has a ton of different exercises for your abs. Also "The Abs Diet" has great work out plans for this too.

Some of my favorite exercises for abs requires hanging from a bar or other support and doing different types of leg lifts.

[chinadoll]

Re: Effective Ab Exercises

Betty, do you use a large stability ball or the small kind you can tuck behind your lower back? How many of each kind do you generally do? I actually detest ab work but am commiting to do something with abs every day even if it is just 20 crunches. I figure thats still more than I am doing now. LOL

[ttdriver]

Re: Effective Ab Exercises

Betty, do you use a large stability ball or the small kind you can tuck behind your lower back? How many of each kind do you generally do? I actually detest ab work but am commiting to do something with abs every day even if it is just 20 crunches. I figure thats still more than I am doing now. LOL

I use the large ball and I do 80 crunches 4x a week (on my non-running days). I also do lower back lifts over the ball to strengthen my core. The combination of the two can't be beat IMO. I love the stability ball !

Betty

[chinadoll]

Re: Effective Ab Exercises

OK, I guess I need to do something with the ball besides kicking it out of my way. LOL