Shrink
Your Stomach!
The midsection is a problem area for many people, and those who want to
shrink the size of their belly are numerous. A balanced diet is a good
place to start, but there are also some great stomach exercises to help
along the process. The exercises discussed below meet this description,
as they are specifically designed to help reduce belly fat, and
therefore, the size of your tummy. These particular exercises are
targeted at beginners, so give them a try if you are just starting out.
Once you have mastered these, feel free to advance to something more
challenging. When doing these exercises, it is important to move slowly
so as to maintain control and not allow momentum to take over. As with
any workout routine, be sure to consult a professional before beginning
and always warm up properly to avoid injury.
Vertical Leg Crunch
This is a variation on the traditional crunch that focuses more
specifically on reducing stomach fat. To begin this stomach exercise,
first lie on your back on a flat surface, such as the floor. Use a mat
or towel to cushion your spine. Put your hands behind your head, with
elbows out far enough that they are out of sight. Now lift your legs
straight up into the air, crossing your ankles and bending your knees
slightly. Contract your abdominals and lift your shoulders, head and
upper back up to about a thirty degree angle. Be aware of not lifting
with your hands or leading with your head.
Long Arm Crunch
For this stomach exercise, remain on the floor with your knees bent and
feet flat. Lie back and extend your arms straight back on the floor as
though you are reaching above your head. Contract your abs and slowly
lift your arms, head and shoulders off the floor to about a thirty
degree angle. Hold it, then slowly lower your shoulders back to the
floor. Repeat for an entire set. Be careful not to lead with your arms,
keeping them straight and alongside your head.
Reverse Crunch
You will need to stay on your back for this stomach exercise. Use a mat
or towel to cushion your spine. Put your arms at your sides with palms
facing up to the ceiling. Put your legs in the air so that your knees
are bent at ninety degree angles and your hips make about a ninety
degree angle with your torso. Keep your knees unbent and as straight as
possible. Now, contract your ab muscles so that it feels like your
belly button is being pulled toward your spine, while at the same time
gently lifting your hips off the floor. Raise your hips to height of a
few inches, keeping your legs extended straight upward. Hold this
position, then slowly lower your hips back to the floor. Repeat for an
entire set.
About The Author
Edward
Pena is an exercise fanatic that loves to workout as often as he can.
He runs
an informational website to help people learn about exercise. His sites
offer free articles on stomach exercises and other exercise products.
To take advantage of
all this cool stuff and more, be sure to check out Ed’s site
at Pilates Guide!
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