Workouts for abs come in many different types, from the exercises done on the equipment at the gym, to those that use nothing more than body weight to tone and condition. Many of the most effective exercises use regular household items or basic exercise equipment such as dumbbells, medicine balls and fitness balls. The abdominal hold is effective in toning the abdominals and uses a sturdy chair. It looks a little unusual, but it works. To begin, sit tall on the edge of the chair. An exercise step with risers can also be used. Position your hands on either side of you, with knuckles pointing towards your knees.
Contract the abs and lift your feet off the floor, two to four inches. Now lift your butt off the chair. Hold the position for five to ten seconds. Lower slowly. Repeat this process for at least one minute. The side crunch looks very simple, but it tests your balance while concentrating on the obliques. If you are just beginning to exercise, you may find that this workout for abs works your hips as well. There is no equipment required, but a mat is recommended. Begin by kneeling on the floor, hands at your sides.
Lean to the right and let your palm rest on the floor, directly below your shoulder. While maintaining your balance, slowly extend the left leg, pointing your toe. Rest your left hand on the back of our head with the elbow pointing to the ceiling. This is the starting position. Lift your leg to hip height and extend your arm so that it is parallel to your leg. Palm should be facing forward. Facing your left foot, curl the left side of your ribcage towards your hip. Slowly return to the starting position. For the most effective workouts for abs repeat six to eight times before changing sides.
This exercise works the lower back and thighs as well as the obliques. To warm up the core muscles, begin on all fours. Align your knees and hips, shoulders and wrists. Raise your left arm and right leg, each to shoulder and hip height. Hold for two counts, stretching the limbs as far as they will go. Repeat with the right arm and left leg. Alternate sides 15 to 20 times. Workouts for abs do not need to be complex to be effective. Rotating exercises in your workouts will help you from becoming bored and keep your body continuously adjusting to new movements.
Britton Davis is a fitness expert and the author of The Ultimate Ab Workout Blueprint. For more information on workouts for abs, visit http://www.abworkoutblueprint.com.
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