Why is a good ab routine so important?
“Washboard abs”, “a 6 pack”, “ripped abs” call it what you will but great abdominal development is very important to anyone wanting a complete physique. Nice abs add that finishing touch that many unfortunately lack.
Not to mention having a strong core is important for avoiding lower back problems. In other words good abs are not only attractive but useful.
So, how do you get great abs?
Arnold Schwarzenegger Abs workout First of all, all the sit ups in the world won’t help if you have fat covering your abs. The old saying “Abs are built in the kitchen” is very true. So, if you have fat to lose, step #1 of any good ab routine is to get on a good diet that will allow for gradual fat loss.
Adding some cardio to your overall training will also help with fat loss. 30 minutes 3- 4 times per week should suffice.
Training the abs
Oblique Crunches
Lay on the floor, knees bent, your calves on a bench. Place one arm behind your head. Raise up attempting to touch the elbow of the arm behind your head to the opposite knee. This will “crunch” your oblique. Perform 2 sets of 12-20 reps per side.
Incline sit ups
Using an abdominal board, secure your feet and with hands supporting your neck or crossed on your chest, situp about 4/5ths of the way then descend to within a few inches of your starting position. In other words, keep the tension on your abs throughout the movement. Perform 2 sets of 12-20 reps per side. You may add resistance by holding a weight on your chest with arms crossed. Mike shows a variation below.
Hanging leg raises
Hang from a chin bar (you may use straps to help your grip) and with medium speed pull your knees up. Try not to allow the body to swing during the movement. Perform 2 sets of 25-50 reps.
Jackknives
Lay flat on the floor, hands behind your head, sit up and pull your knees to your chest simultaneously. Use a slow tempo. This will help you to maintain good form. Perform 2 sets of 25-50 reps.
Tips
In setting up your own ab routine, select 2 of the above exercises. Train your abs no more than twice per week You may rotate exercises from workout to workout or even week to week.There you have it. Now get going, summer’s coming and you can show off your new 6 pack!
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