Abdominal Exercises – Get a Six Pack!

In this lengthy article I will tell you all the exercises that can be used to work out your abdominal muscles. These exercises will give you the famous ’six pack’ look, which everyone desires so much. Abdominal exercises should be worked out as follows:

Leg Raises

Leg raises are one of my favourite exercises for abs, purely because I can feel them working. Do as many reps as possible, but if you can do more than 40, add weights to your feet to reduce the amount of reps you can do.

Leg Raises technique

To start this exercises lay flat on your pack with your hands by your sides. Raise your leg under they are perpendicular (at right angles) to the floor or surface you are on. Return your legs until they are hovering just above the floor, and that counts as one rep. See the video below for a perfect demonstration of a leg raise.

Variation of the leg raise:

Leg raises can also be performed when hanging. These are called hanging leg raises. They do the same thing, but your body is horizontal and the legs are raised perpendicular to your body until they are parallel to the floor.
If you can’t perform leg raises, just raise your knee’s instead as this is easier.

The Abdominal Crunch

This is the most widely used exercise to build muscles in your stomach area, and that’s because it works. Although I wouldn’t call it the most effective exercise, it’s good because there are many variations and many of the can be performed at once (which is how you target your abs).

Abdominal Crunch Technique

There are many, many ways to do this, but I am going to tell you the simplist and most common way. Firstly, lay flat on your back. Next raise your legs and so your feet are flat on the floor, and your knees are bent at around 90 degrees. You can place your hands in many places, such as touching your forehead, behind the back of your head, crossed across your chest, or by the side of your legs.

The way which makes the crunch the hardest (and most effective), is touching your forehead (two fingers on the side of your forehead). The way which makes the exercise easiest is arms by your side. You choose which you want to do. Lift your upper body up using your abs, and your head should raise to about half way between the floor and your bent knees. Return your head and body to the start position and that is one rep. Your feet should remain firmly on the floor throughout the whole exercise.