subject: 3 Most Effective Ab Exercises [print this page] A lot of people tend to ask the question, "what are the best ab exercises can I do?" They're usually asking it this way because they think that it's the answer to getting rid of their belly fat. While these ab exercises can be very effective, they will not work on their own unless you also pay attention to your nutrition. But, these exercises will help strengthen your core which helps protect your back from injuries. At the same time, they will also make you stronger and help you burn calories.
So, now that we got that out of the way. Let's get started on the top 3 ab exercises that would give you the best results.
The Plank
The plank is a simple yet very effective ab exercise that you can do almost anywhere because you don't need any equipment. It helps you activate your core muscles and engages them more than any other static ab exercise out there especially if you perform them correctly. When you do it on a regular basis, you will notice that you get stronger in other exercises such as push ups, squats, bench press, etc.
To perform the plank, lie on the floor face down with your elbows and toes touching the floor. Minimize the bend on your hips by keeping your whole body straight from head to toe. You should be looking at the floor at your eye level to help you maintain good form. Perform the plank for 20 seconds and rest for another 20 seconds. Repeat 2 more times. As time goes by and you get better at doing the plank, increase the your time to 30, 50, 60 seconds, and so on to make the exercise harder.
The Side Plank
The side plank is another effective ab execise but it is a little more difficult than the regular plank. The side plank targets your side ab muscles a bit more than the plank.
To perform the side plank, lay on your side with your elbow supporting you from the floor. From this position, lift your hips from the ground while your feet are on top of each other and are still touching the floor. You can make the side plank easier by putting your feet side by side and touching the floor with your free hand for more stability. Perform the side plank for at least 20 seconds and repeat a few more times. Increase your time as you get better at doing the side plank.
The Reverse Crunch
The reverse crunch is a lot different from the first 2 exercises in that there is movement involved while you're performing it. While the plank and side plank targets mainly your upper and side ab muscles, this exercise targets your lower abs.
To perform the reverse crunch, lie down with your back to the floor and hold on to a chair or a dumbbell that is heavy enough for you to hold on to without giving in. Bend your knees while still touching the floor then slowly take them to your chest and slightly lifting your hips off the ground. You may repeat this exercise at least 10 times, rest, and repeat the whole round 2 more times.
There you go, top 3 ab exercises that will surely give your abs a great workout. Most of all, when these exercises are done together, you can get a full ab workout too. It is a complete workout for your abs. If you perform these exercises regularly, you will notice a difference with your strength and overall fitness. Your push ups and other exercises that require you to use your core will get a lot easier. You will also notice that doing your daily taks will become a breeze which will help you move more and burn more calories.
