Time for Exercise

For many people the abs are one of those places that just don’t ever look good enough. The right exercises are a tremendous help. Set up a routine, do it regularly and you might see the progress you’re after.

Here are some exercises to try. Do the ones that you feel comfortable with.

Bicycle
The Bicycle works the obliques and the muscles that make up the “six pack” muscles of the abdomen.

Lie flat on the floor with your fingers laced behind your head. Bring up your knees and lift your shoulder blades off the ground. Just as the name implies, make a motion with your legs as though riding a bicycle, straightening each in turn to about a 45 degree angle. Turn your body slightly as you do so, bringing the elbow to the opposite knee in turn.

Exercise Ball Crunches
I love exercise balls. They don’t take up that much room and even the kids enjoy having them around. There isn’t much exercise equipment out there that is so safe for your children to play around.

Lie face up with your mid to lower back on the ball, your feet keeping you stable on the floor. Place your hands behind your head and contract your abs to lift your torso. Do your best to keep the ball from rolling. Lower yourself back down and repeat.

Vertical Leg Crunches
Lie on your back on the floor. Extend your legs straight up, crossed at the ankles. Use your abs to lift your shoulder blades off the ground. You do not need to lift your arms. Lower and repeat.

Crunches
Of course I’m not going to skip crunches. These are a classic abdominal exercise.

Lie on your back, knees bent. Clasp your hands behind your head. Contract your abs tp lift your shoulder blades off the ground.

The Plank
Very challenging, but very good for your abs and your back. Lie face down on your forearms and your palms flat on the floor. Push off the floor so that your entire body is supported by your toes and your forearms, keeping your back flat. Hold position for 20 or more seconds, then lower yourself back to the ground.

Mix these exercises up or pick some others to include in your routine. The change will not be instantaneous, but you should see improvement if you keep this up a few times a week. Be patient and don’t give up.

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