Ab Workout Routines
Ranked #7,993 in Healthy Living, #134,490 overall
Tips to Flatter Abs
Further, stomach fat can result in increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and other conditions. So, there is good reason to decrease the amount of fat around our bellies. The problem is, it is not easy to do without concentrating on losing weight and exercising; and that's not all.
Studies show that the combination of cardio exercise and weight training is the fastest way to lose fat around the abdomen. One study took thirty women and tracked their progress for six months. They were divided in groups of three: aerobic exercise, combination exercises and a control group. The control group did nothing. A second group did cardio exercises and weight training exercises three days a week. The exercise sessions were done on alternating days of the week.
Six months later: To make a long story short, this study showed that aerobic exericse alone will not lose all the belly fat. However, when you double up on cardio and weight workouts, the most fat will come off. Of course, healthy and low fat eating also is key.
Ab Workout Starter Tips
- Work lower abs first. Most people neglect lower ab workouts because they become too tired to do them; after a cardio session, and working their upper abs. So, after 30 to 45 minutes of cardiovascular exercise - 3 or 4 times p/week, concentrate on the lower abs, then upper. Lower abs respond well to exhaustive workouts.
- For best results you need to do between 8-15 reps in a set, and then repeat.
- The Ab Roller is great for is great for upper abdominals and obliques.
- The utility ball allows for maximum stretching to hit all areas of the mid-section.
- Since your stomach is considered your smallest muscle, you can train up to 6 days per week
- Medicine ball exercises are great for working your core or midsection muscles. There are many medicine ball workout DVDs which concentrate on the core.
- The stability ball is very effective for abs. It does the job in targeting the abdominal areas. The abs and the back muscles move together as you work with the ball.
- Use the instruction of abdominal DVDs or a personal trainer for proper form.
Contents at a Glance
Ab Workout Equipment
Lose Bellyfat
Valeo Ab Wheel
Dual Wheels For Greater Stability Easy-Grip
Barry's Bootcamp Complete Workout System
Complete workout system with 3 DVDs
Apex Roman/Hyper Extension Bench
Do a wide range of exercises on this Roman Chair
Slendertone Flex Pro Abdominal Muscle Toner
Men's Slendertone Flex Pro Abdominal Muscle Toner
Ab Workout DVDs
Core Training
Cathe Friedrich's Core Max DVD
Tough 60 min core training
Cathe Friedrich's STS Ab Circuits DVD
Ab Circuits, 7 ab routines
Hip Hop Abs DVD Set - 6 Workouts Set
Target your upper abs, lower abs, and obliques
Tae-Bo Ultimate Abs and Butt (DVD)
Intense, long Workouts. One hour abs/butt each
Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack
Core-focused cardio circuits and ab-toning
Bender Ball Mini Ab Ball
Bender Method of Core Training video w/mini ball
Watch Barry's Bootcamp Workout System Video
Total Body Workout
Lifeline Power Wheel II
Core - Total Body Workout
Imagine this inexpensive fitness tool delivering such power and targeted workouts. It engages your whole body. The Lifeline Power Wheel is a versatile fitness gadget that works the core, obliques, back hips, hamstrings, glutes and arms. It also, effectively, strengthens your upper body and improves balance. It comes with an instruction DVD. It was voted the "Best Core Trainer in the World" by the University of California, Berkeley. After a workout, you definitely feel its effects.
It comes with an instructional DVD and booklet, which shows how to correctly use the Power Wheel II, for maximum results. The DVD is easy to follow and you can choose the routine based on your fitness level. It also stresses that it's best to build strength, stability, and skills before moving to the more advanced exercises. In other words, get a comfortable feel for the basic exercises first. As with any exercise equipment, improper use can lead to injury.
Basically, the Power Wheel's foot straps add intensity and variety to the exercises; you will not get bored. Plus, it is very durable, sturdy and easy to assemble.
One complaint is that it can be a hassle getting in and out of the straps.
- Affordable
- All in one exercise equipment
- Accommodates various upper and and lower body exercises
- DVD comes with routines for beginner to advanced fitness levels
- adjustable toe and heel fasteners
The Right Ab Workout for You
Having six-pack abs is not everyone's goal. Let's face it, those sculpted abs require additional workout time; above and beyond your regular cardio sessions. Maybe you only want toned abs, just flat enough to make you look good, and your clothes fit well. For some, a simple ab workout DVD is sufficient; while others prefer adding ab strengthening equipment.
How much time do you have to spend on your abs? With ab exercises, you have the option of minutes a day to a 1/2 hour or more. Further, the ab workout you choose should be based on your goals and fitness abilities. If it's too difficult, you probably won't want to do it.
Rarely are ab workouts fun; but they're necessary if you want to look toned all over. Just the same, your chosen ab workout has to be intense enough for you to see results....sooner than later.
Consider the following:
- Are you concentrating on upper abs, lower abs or both?
- Do you want six pack or flat, toned abs? Six pack abs are difficult for women to develop.
- Who are the DVD instructors? Many are well known for producing challenging workout.
- Do you need or want to buy ab exercise equipment?
- What is the level of difficulty? Beginner, Intermediate or Advance.
- What is the duration of the DVD workout? 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes
- Product reviews. What do others think about the ab routine or equipment you want to try?
- Do you have back problems or other physical limitations? Some ab routines can put pressure on neck neck and lower back.
- How many days can you dedicate to ab workouts?
by marann19
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