Are there "beginner" ab workouts?

legsfordays

When it comes to my abs, I am a complete weakling. It is my least favorite place to work on, but I feel as if I need to incorporate them more into my regimen since I only have a few pounds to lose. I have tried the p90x's Ab Ripper X video but it was too hard for me.
I'm curious, are there any moves/workouts/machines that are good for those that aren't quite strong in the ab region yet? Or are abs just something y where no pain, no gain?

And before you say anything, I hate crunches. It strains my back.

ellycope

I'd say probably look for some pilates moves - they worked for me! They don't feel like an ab workout because they're not the traditional crunch type ones but they really work to strengthen the core muscles.

engineman312

i hate crunches too, but what i hate more are machines. they focus your body into one ridged movement, where body weight exercises can help you do multiple muscle groups at once. if you focus on keeping your stomach tight douring them, you won't have to do a crunch again in your life. if you do hanging dips, pushups, pull ups, and keep your stomach tight, that is a great work out. to specifically target abs, check out planks and rolling planks. some of my favorites. a plank is basically you in a push up position, but resting on your forearms, and holding it for about 15 seconds, nice and tight. trust me, it sounds more difficult then it is. a rolling plank you start in the plank position, and then roll to one forearm and foot and stick thee other hand up in the air (DO NOT wave it around like you just don't care).




ps, abs are made in the kitchen. more on that later.