Don't Forget the Lower Abs

One reason some people give up on strengthening their lower abs is that they lose hope of seeing real improvement. Sometimes the problem lies in the type of exercisesAbdominal Advertisement they are doing in that area. Other times they are doing the exercises incorrectly.

Here are some tips for ensuring that your lower abs get the right workout. Follow this advice and watch your lower abs get firmer, more toned, and begin to take on that desirable six pack look.

• The saying “no pain, no gain” is not necessarily true. While some mild soreness is to be expected, take care not to over-train. If you’re still sore from the last workout, don’t try to work your abs just yet.

• Prevent strains by ensuring that your spine, neck, head and shoulders are aligned. During sit-ups, crunches, and other exercises with your hands to be behind your head, keep your fingers spread apart. Locking them together may put your spine out of alignment.

• When doing reps, keep your abs pulled in tight through the entire repetition. Relaxing between sets lessens the effectiveness.

If you’re a beginner, choose exercises that call for little or no equipment. There’s no need to make a big financial commitment to improving your lower abs. You need little more than a quiet area and a workout bench, some weights and a lateral bar. Here are some exercises suitable for the beginner level:

Reverse Crunch - Laying face up on an exercise bench, raise your arms and grab the edge of the bench -- above or next to your head. Bend and lock your knees. Contract your abs and lift your hips, pulling your knees in toward your chest. Hold for a count of three, then lower your hips to the original position. Do 3-4 sets of 10 reps to start with. Add more reps to each set as you find the reverse crunch easier over time.

Leg Raises – Begin the same way as for the reverse crunch: laying flat on an exercise bench, raise your arms and grab the edge of the bench, above or next to your head. With legs slightly bent, raise them to a vertical position and hold for one second. Lower your legs slowly and try not to touch the ground. Keep your abs tight during the entire exercise. Pause a second and then slowly lower them. Try not to touch the ground at the bottom. Using control will keep tension on the abdominals throughout the exercise and increase the intensity. Repeat for your designated number of reps and sets.

Exercising the lower abs is not only good for your health and physical appearance. It can change your bearing also – the way you carry yourself. Tight abs and a straight back can add to your confidence and sense of self-worth. Keep that in mind when the going gets tough and you’re tempted to give up.


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