When most people think about ab exercises they immediately think about crunches, sit ups, or leg lifts. These are all worthy exercises that can help you strengthen and tone your abs. However, there are other kind of workouts which can help you get a flatter stomach: static exercises.
Static exercises are done by holding your muscles in a contracted mode without moving them. This has a different effect than regular workouts and can help you achieve better and faster results. Practically every regular exercise can be combined with a static element. You simply hold your body in the position in which you are at the greatest muscular strain.
For instance, if you do a crunch, you can hold for a second just before you lower your body back to the starting position. This is a static muscular stimulation.
However, there are a number of strictly static belly exercises that you should include in your regular workout routine. Here are 3 of them:
Stomach vacuums - You stand or sit with your back straight. Breathe deeply in and then exhale all the air out of your lungs. Suck your stomach in and hold it for 20 seconds or more. Make sure not to bend your back and to keep your stomach muscles clenched.
The plank - This is a classic and well loved exercise that is usually performed at the end of your workout session. You position yourself similarly as you would for a push-up but rest on your forearms instead of your hands. By holding this position, with a straight back and neck, you will get an awesome workout which works both the inner and outer abs.
A variation of this workout is the side plank which is also a static exercise. You rest on one forearm and position your body sideways. This works the waist and obliques.
A third static exercise can be done by lying on the floor with straight legs and then raising them off the ground at a height of about 5 inches. By holding this position for 30 seconds or more you target the lower abs. Make sure to keep your lower back closely attached to the floor. This exercise can make your back arch which can be risky, so be sure to take care.
The best ab workout includes static exercises and variations as well as regular full range exercises. This will help you get a fuller and better workout.
Visit Get Flat Abs Fast for more tips and tricks to burn belly fat. For more killer exercises for your abs, visit Effective Swiss Ball Exercises.
John Davenport lost over 30 pounds in his twenties after being overweight most of his life. He now runs a weight loss forum and publishes a diet and fitness newsletter.
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