Effective Ab Exercises At Home

There are several quite simple yet very effective abdominal exercises that you can do right in the privacy of your own home. Better yet…you do not even need any equipment or machines to complete them effectively.

There is no doubt that the very best ab exercise is the Crunch. The Crunch targets the entire abdominal muscle group including the intercostals, the obliques, and the rectus abdominis. There really isn't just one standard crunch, there is actually a variation of them. The full crunch requires you to lie flat in the floor with your legs extended and your hands behind your head. Use your hands to pull yourself up and push out with your legs. There is also the reverse crunch where you lie flat on the floor and put your legs in the air and bend them backwards towards you. This exercise is a bit easier than the full crunch.

Never underestimate the good old fashioned leg lift. It is simple and very effective. Lie down flat on your back on the floor and lift one leg up and as high you can and hold it until you count to three. Repeat by alternating legs and eventually raising both legs. Do at least ten repetitions for each leg and for both legs. You can add resistance by simply adding weights to your ankles.

In the category of good old fashioned exercises that target the abs and that can be done simply at home is the sit up. While it may not be that easy to do it sure is effective. Lie down flat on the floor, bend your knees and either hold your feet down by bracing them under a sofa or a heavy chair or ask someone to hold them down for you. Place your hands behind your head and lift up your upper body up as far as you can without allowing your feet to lift. Hold…count to five…lower your body. Do repetitions of 20. To do this effectively you should not be using your shoulders or your neck.

Finally, the bicycle routine is also a very good choice. Lie flat on the floor and raise your legs up and pretend you are riding a bike. Lift your rear a bit and pedal for a minimum of ten times. Your abdomen is what you will use to keep your legs and rear up and you will feel the burn in your tummy. This simply means that it is working.

Here are some added tips to make your workout routine be more effective and less stressful. Always stretch and warm up before beginning your exercise regimen. You want to stretch and relax for a good couple of minutes. Also, effective exercising requires at least twenty minute workouts performed three to four times per week. Breathing is also very important while you are exercising. You should breathe in deeply and exhale completely. Your heart and other muscles really need the oxygen to work at their best. Follow these simple exercises and tips and you will be on your way to the perfect abs in no time without having ever left your home.