A well-toned and defined midsection is a goal for a lot of people on a fitness journey. Hence why training to improve your abs is som important.
A toned midsection means a strong core that supports your back and maintains a good posture.
Additionally, the look of washboard abs or a six-pack is visually appealing for several reasons.
Unfortunately, a toned midsection is one of the hardest fitness goals to achieve.
Good news though – various training exercises can be used to improve your abs and build better physical health.
Getting the look that you would like to have does take time and strenuous exercise to develop.
When working on your midsection, the trick is to employ a combination of training tactics and workout routines for the best results.
Cardiovascular Workouts to Improve Your Abs
One important factor in developing a solid midsection is consistent cardiovascular training.
Exercises such as running and swimming work your midsection while helping you shed additional weight.
As you lose the extra weight around your midsection, your abs will begin to show through in a more defined fashion.
If you are currently not working on your cardiovascular health while training, begin to add these exercises to your routine.
For example, interval training is a sprinting exercise that not only increases your endurance over time but helps burn substantial amounts of fat during each session.
This is one of the reasons I love Beachbody and Jillian Michaels workouts.
Over time, you will begin to notice a loss in weight while also improving the look of your midsection muscles.
Workouts to Improve Your Abs
A lot of people think sit-ups and crunches are the main exercises to tone midsections and develop abs.
However, you need to engage in a wide number of training methods that target the body overall to improve the look of your abs.
Creating a workout routine with multiple ways to impact your abs will help you obtain the toned look that you desire.
Exercises are available for individuals of all training levels.
Some exercises may be too difficult for beginners, so you may need a personal trainer to get started.
Develop your workout plan to include a high number of reps while completing three to five sets of each exercise.
You can also do complete, timed training segments in which you would practice each workout for a set amount of time, such as 1 to 3 minutes each.
Specific Exercises for your Abs
Alternate Heel Touches to Improve Your Abs
Lie on the floor with your feet on the ground and your knees bent. Your feet should be slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Extend both arms on each side. While holding your head and shoulders off the ground, reach towards your right heel, and touch it with your right hand.
Hold the position for a count of three. Return to the starting position and then reach towards your left heel with your left hand.
Continue alternating between sides until you have reached your planned number of sets or until you have completed the desired time.
How to Do Alternate Heel Touches
Ab Roller Exercises to Improve Your Abs
Ab Wheel Roller Kit
Kneel on the floor while holding the ab roller with both hands.
Place the ab roller in front of you with your knees and feet behind you, as if you are kneeling on all fours.
Slowly roll the ab roller forward until your body is extended into a straight position.
Go down as far as you can without allowing your stomach and chest to touch the floor.
When you reach your fullest extension, hold for a three count. Be sure to continue breathing while stretching.
Slowly roll the ab roller back to the starting position. Continue doing repetitions until completed, or you have reached your desired time limit.
This exercise will be difficult if you have lower back problems, so it may be best not to attempt the ab roller exercise or try it very slowly.
How to Use the Ab Roller
Exercise Ball Pull-In
GalSports Exercise Ball
Begin in a push-up position with an exercise ball placed near your feet. Lift your legs up and lay them on the ball, with your feet flat.
Be sure that your legs are fully extended, and your arms are holding you up as if you are doing push-ups.
Keep your back straight and do not allow your upper body to move. Slowly roll the ball forward with your legs only and bring your knees close to your body.
Hold the position for a count of three and then extend your legs back to the starting position.
Be sure to squeeze your abs and exhale as you move the ball towards your upper body.
Exercise Ball Pull-In to Improve Your Abs
The exercise ball pull-in may be a difficult exercise for beginners to complete.
You could have a spotter or trainer ready to assist you whenever you attempt this exercise.
These three exercises should be included in your workout routine if you are trying to develop your midsection. Engage in these exercises every day.
You can also try home workout programs, which incorporate a good mix of exercises that target toning the midsection.
For home workout programs, I recommend Beachbody and Jillian Michaels programs.
They are focused, short, and help you achieve your fitness goals faster.
You can put together a suitable workout program from YouTube videos as well but this might take you longer to get to your goals.
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