Three Optimal Abdominal Workouts

A man's six pack abs are his pride and joy. Those that have them are quick to show them off, even in public, and those that don't either suck in their gut whenever they are forced to take their shirts off or wear oversized apparel in order to hide the fact that they are embarrassed of their flabby stomach. Even men that do not generally care about their appearance are concerned when they're abs fail to meet their own quality standards (even if they pretend they are not).




Obviously those that have abs that they are less than proud of need to start performing ab workouts designed to help increase the size, shape and strength of their abdominal muscles. But the most well known exercise - the crunch - is simply an uncomfortable exercise that often leaves the exerciser with uncomfortable back pain and shoulder aching. The crunch is an uncomfortable workout, and research shows that it is not even the most effective workout that you can do for your abdomen.




Effective Ab Workouts




There are three workouts that are considered effective ways of working out your abdominal muscles. And the best part of these workouts is that the most effective one can be completed without any exercise equipment at all.




The "Bicycle Crunch" is the most effective type of ab workout. It needs no equipment, and generally has less back pain because you do not need to lift your shoulders as high. Also, because it is such an efficient workout (able to put a great deal of work on your abdomen and obliques), all of the extra time that you spend doing the bicycle crunch is not going to waste.




To perform a bicycle crunch is relatively easy as well. Find a comfortable location and lay down on your back with your knees up in the air and feet planted firmly on the ground.




Once you are ready, lift your legs in the air and start pedaling like a bicycle - one leg should be out straight while the other knee bends towards you. As you pedal (slowly for the best benefit), try to touch the knee that is closest to you using your opposite elbow (you do not actually need to touch it, you simply need to move as close to it as you can). Slowly switch back and forth from leg to leg and elbow to elbow.




The bicycle crunch is the most effective ab workout in terms of how much it works your main abdominal muscles. However, if you do not want to perform the ab crunch, you can also perform the standard crunch on an exercise ball - a significantly more comfortable way to do the crunch that also has the ability to provide extra pressure.




Or, if you do not want to use the exercise ball, consider doing the captains chair. Hanging in the air with your forearms against a level surface, simply lift your knees to your chest and very slowly move them back down again.




All three of these workouts are the most effective way to improve your abs - able to provide you with visible results in a relatively short time. Everyone wants better abs, and if you perform these three exercises, you will easily be able to get them.

Richard Black helps people learn about ab lounger exercise
at his website on the ab lounger series of exercise devices.

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