Ab exercises

jennifernoseworthy
jennifernoseworthy Posts: 24 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi,
I am trying to add abdominal exercises to my routine. I know how to do crunches...I'm wondering if there's another type of exercise that works just as well that I can add for variety?
Thanks

Replies

  • StealthHealth
    StealthHealth Posts: 2,417 Member
    OK to answer your question exercise that hit the abs: bodybuilding.com/exercises/finder/lookup/filter/muscle/id/13/muscle/abdominals

    But, my questions are:

    Are you adding abs work into an existing exercise program?
    what is your goal?

    Best wishes

  • jesoverley
    jesoverley Posts: 25 Member
    Hasfit.com has a great (free) 30 day ab challenge. I did it for a month and definitely saw results.
  • Nezz123
    Nezz123 Posts: 35 Member
    Ooooooh crunches hurt so bad! They're great for your abs and help strengthen/protect your back, so they're a great move for disciplined people. But I'm a cupcake and they hurt and I don't like them.

    I like these:

    1. Planks - hang out in a pushup position without doing the "pushup" part. So many variations! Like, you can rest on your forearms (easier) or lift up on one arm (harder). They make your abs all flat and hard in the front and on the sides. Like a natural corset.

    2. Dips - I can't do these yet. But they work your side waist (obliques).

    3. Mountain Climbers - start with a plank; go easy with your hands on a step or bench. Pull your right knee in toward your left shoulder, then put it back in place. Pull your left knee in toward your right shoulder. Repeat until you fall over.

    ....Mountain Climbers hit your lower abs and don't stress your neck like crunches can. Also you can knock them out fast!
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1161603/so-you-want-a-nice-stomach/p1
  • jennifernoseworthy
    jennifernoseworthy Posts: 24 Member
    @StealthHealth ... so far my routine is walking on the treadmill with a brief (very brief) jog in the middle. I'm just starting out, but I know because of 3 C-sections, I need ab help desperately. I don't need a 6-pack, however, a little firmness in the belly would make me happy.
  • jennifernoseworthy
    jennifernoseworthy Posts: 24 Member
    @Nezz123 thank you. I am a total cupcake too! I'm going to give your suggestions a try and see how they work out. Thanks :)
  • jennifernoseworthy
    jennifernoseworthy Posts: 24 Member
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1161603/so-you-want-a-nice-stomach/p1

    She has a lot of great information, thanks for sharing with me. :)
  • successgal1
    successgal1 Posts: 996 Member
    Search for CORE exercises instead of ab exercises, you'll get better results. I get excellent results with pilates core exercises and the knee lifts in my step aerobics. Also, upper body weights will engage your core muscles.
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