subject: Beginners Workouts for Abs [print this page] Beginners Workouts for Abs Beginners Workouts for Abs
If you're a newbie to workouts for abs, you have to be careful, take it easy. Starting out too strong can result in you feeling discouraged or even hurt muscle-bound. So don't jump to difficult ab workout routines. First try to discover your limits see what's right for you. Explore how many repetitions you can handle and don't force yourself. As your workout will become more and more advanced, you will be able to do more and more abdomen exercises.
The rule of thumb for anyone who wants to start working out is Warm up! I cannot stress enough the importance of getting your muscles gradually ready for the following effort. Warmed up and stretched muscles will perform better and with no or less pain. Plus, starting your training session with a warm-up will help you sustain your regular workouts in the long run.
Start your routine with something light but useful. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the ground. Keep your upper body facing the ceiling, as you lower your knees on one side. This may feel a bit tight at first which is good, since it's a stretching exercise. Then return your knees to the initial position and lower them on the other side. This will get the abs ready for the exercises to follow.
Like all good ab routines do, your routine must include crunches. Just don't jump to Rocky-like crunches just yet. The regular crunch requires you to lie on the floor, with your knees bet and your feet off the floor, in a balanced position. As a beginner, you should keep your hands along the body, horizontally. This way, you will get some extra help when you lift your head and shoulder blades off the floor. If you feel strong, also bring the knees in, as you lift your upper body from the floor. If you don't feel up for it, just keep your knees and legs in balance and let the upper body do the movements.
A reversed version of the previous exercise is a great challenge for your lower abs. As you lie on your back, with knees bent and your feet on the floor, lift your feet off the floor and bring your knees in. Then slowly lower them back. When you return to the relaxed position, don't get too comfortable just touch the ground and then do another reversed crunch.
Sit ups are also great for your abs. Plus, they are versatile enough that you can adapt them to you level and workout target. The classical sit up requires you to lie on your back, with your knees bent and feet on the floor, and to lift up your head and shoulders off the ground. If you're up for it, keep your hands behind your head. If you're not ready for this just yet, keep them along your body. If you want to do diversify, every time you sit up touch your right knee with your left hand and the other way around.
