Just wondering how do you work out your abs only gives your brain a work out

If the only six pack you’ve ever had is the kind that is purchased at the liquor store, it might be time to do something about it. Losing weight isn’t easy, which is why so many diets and weight- loss programs are available. With will-power, determination and the right diet and exercises, however, you can do it. If you’re wondering how do you workout your abs, a variety of exercises can help you get the results you desire.

Get the Gear

Many of the exercises that give you those washboard abs often take place on the floor. Working out on wood or carpet isn’t exactly comfortable, or even safe. If you slip or slide during some of them, you could end up becoming injured.

Exercising on a workout mat provides a soft, cushioned surface on which to perform your moves. These mats are often made of non-skid material, so that you can stay safe during your exercises.

Wearing the right clothing while you perform your exercises can also make the experience more successful and enjoyable. For instance, wearing baggy pants and shirts can hinder you and prevent you from completing the exercises in the proper manner.

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Clothing that is designed for exercising is typically form-fitting, and comfortable. It allows you to move your body in certain ways that loose gear may not. Additionally, some clothing even helps to make you feel cooler, and can absorb your sweat so that you aren’t wet while exercising.

Using the right equipment and wearing the proper clothing may help you achieve your goals.

The Bicycle

This exercise engages your abdominal muscles far better than a simple crunch can. However, they are performed in similar ways.

Lay down on you mat face up. Place your hands behind your head and lightly support it with your fingers. Bring your knees in towards your chest and lift your shoulder muscles off of the mat without straining your neck.

Rotate your body towards the left and bring your right elbow to your left knee, while you straighten your right leg. Now switch sides and bring your left elbow to your right knee and straighten your left leg. Repeat this alternating, pedaling motion for 12 to 16 repetitions, and repeat each set one to three times.

Side Plank

The side plank is a yoga position that engages your muscles and makes them work hard. Similar to the standard plank pose, the side plank is a bit more challenging as it forces you to balance your entire body on two points instead of four.

To perform this pose, lie on your left side with your elbow directly under you and your legs stacked on top of each other. Set your right hand on your right shoulder or left hip.

Engage your stomach muscles and use your arm to lift yourself up so that you’re balancing on your forearm and feet, and your body is in a diagonal line. Hold this position for 30 to 45 seconds, or as long as you can.

Perform the pose on your other side and repeat as many times as you can. You might be surprised at just how much this exercise gives your muscles a workout.

Exercise Ball Crunch

A variety of different abdominal muscle exercises can be performed on an exercise ball, and the crunch is one of the best. The ball allows you to go backwards further than when on the floor, so that your crunches are more effective. Additionally, your entire body is used to stabilize the ball, giving you a full-body workout.

Lie on the ball face up and position it on your lower back. Place your hands behind your head or cross your arms and lay them on your chest. In whatever position you choose, your neck should feel comfortable and not strained.

Contract your abs and pull yourself up, while keeping the ball stable and not moving. Focus on keeping your ribcage down towards the floor.

Lower yourself back onto the ball until you feel a stretch in your abs. Curl back up and repeat the move 12 to 16 more times, for one to three sets.

Simply wondering how do you work out your abs won’t give you that flat stomach you desire, but performing these exercises may help.

Resources:

Shape: Belly Fat — The Fastest Way to Lose Belly Fat

About.com: Top 10 Most Effective Ab Exercises