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You see, the abs need to be worked like any other muscle - with progressive weigh resistance. Don't worry, this won't bulk up your abs, but it will help to strengthen, tighten and tone them for that w
ashboard look or flat tummy that you are looking for. Ab exercises need this added resistance too, in order to become effective as you progress.
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It can be difficult to do abdominal exercises properly without equipment. The traditional floor crunch will only take you so far. Another key is the ability to add weight to your ab exercises, which c
an be a real pain without specific ab exercise equipment.
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Cap Abdominal Wheel
This little wheel looks harmless enough, but it's a great way to work your abs if you're very careful. You simply place your hands on either side and roll it forward as far as y
ou comfortably can and roll back to starting position. You shouldn't roll very far forward as that can tweak your back. Note: this is a very advanced exercise!
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The Firm: 5-Day Abs
Okay, so this video is pretty dated..it still offers some great workouts. It consists of five different ab workouts that include unusual exercises (not just crunches!) to reduce
boredom and increase abdominal strength. The workouts are quick--just a few minutes long--and really hit your abs from every direction possible. The instructors and the music are a little cheezy, but
you'll forget about that once you're into the workout.
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If you want a piece of equipment that isolates your abdominal muscles there are lots out there. The abdominal exercise equipment range from a smaller frame shape (like the one in the picture below) wh
ich helps you maintain good form while performing sit-ups or crunches to a much larger 'weight lifting' ab exerciser found in the gym. All the pieces of equipment work solely on the abdominal exercise
s and will not help with cardio exercise or exercising other parts of the body
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Crunch on an exercise ball
Sit on the exercise ball with your feet flat on the floor. Let the ball roll back slowly and lie back until your thighs and torso are parallel with the floor. Contract yo
ur abdominals raising your torso to no more than 45 degrees. To work the oblique muscles, make the exercise less stable by moving your feet closer together.
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