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How often should I work my abs?
Your abs are no different than the rest of your muscles. You wouldn't work your shoulders every day and, similarly, you shouldn't work your abs every day either. You
r body needs recovery time In order to grow stronger and change.
Work your abs 2-3 non-consecutive days a week, taking care to target all your ab muscles:
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BOSU
This doesn't look like a traditional ab thingamajig and it's not. The BOSU (short for 'Both Sides Up) had a flexible dome on top and a flat platform underneath that allows you to stand, jump,
squat, twist and bounce to challenge your stability. Your abs and back are greatly involved in balance and stabilization, so the BOSU is a great tool for working your core without so much as doing on
e boring crunch. A great way to work your abs!
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Crunch on an exercise ball
Sit on the exercise ball with your feet flat on the floor. Let the ball roll back slowly and lie back until your thighs and torso are parallel with the floor. Contract yo
ur abdominals raising your torso to no more than 45 degrees. To work the oblique muscles, make the exercise less stable by moving your feet closer together.
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Captain's chair
This was one of the few on the "most effective" list that involves gym equipment. Start with legs dangling and slowly lift your knees in toward your chest. The motion should be con
trolled and deliberate as you bring your knees up and return them back to the starting position.
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You see, the abs need to be worked like any other muscle - with progressive weigh resistance. Don't worry, this won't bulk up your abs, but it will help to strengthen, tighten and tone them for that w
ashboard look or flat tummy that you are looking for. Ab exercises need this added resistance too, in order to become effective as you progress.
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The Firm: 5-Day Abs
Okay, so this video is pretty dated..it still offers some great workouts. It consists of five different ab workouts that include unusual exercises (not just crunches!) to reduce
boredom and increase abdominal strength. The workouts are quick--just a few minutes long--and really hit your abs from every direction possible. The instructors and the music are a little cheezy, but
you'll forget about that once you're into the workout.
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