Good Abdominal Exercises to Improve Your Core Strength

That ab muscles can be among the most difficult places to target when you are working out. Abdominals are hard to deal with; there aren’t many effective exercises and, in order to get muscles showing, you have to not only work out, but also diet, or else any muscles you build up will just be covered in fat and not be seen. Nonetheless, there are some abdominal exercises that can build your core fitness, and these workouts can be done in your own home and with minimum costs. Many of these workouts also strengthen your back and waist, so they in truth are multi-purpose. Here are just two simple abdominal exercises that can be done in your home without the need for any equipment.

Ab Exercise 1

This ab exercise is good to do if you are new to core strength workouts and are out of shape. It is gentle and simple to do, but effective.

Lie flat on a bath towel or a small sheet and orientate yourself so that your hands are gripping the top corners of the towel by your ears. Then, bend your knees, keeping your feet flat to the floor. Contract your ab muscles and keep your back straight, and then take a deep breath and lift your head, neck and shoulders off the floor. Hold this position, using the towel for support. Let your breath out, and simultaneously slide your right heel along the floor until your leg is straight. Then extend your left leg. Do this ten to fifteen times; pulling in and extending your legs, and then let down your upper body back onto the sheet and relax. Swap your legs over and do another ten to fifteen with the opposite leg first. If you get any back pain stop this exercise immediately.

How it works? This workout forces your ab muscles to contract and stay taut while you stretch your legs. This in turn strengthens your core muscles. It is also a lot more gently on your spine or neck as doing stomach crunches. It does take practice though; so don’t be worried if you crash the first few times.

Abdominal Exercise 2

This ab workout takes some practice, but it is great for deep exercises of the core. Lie on your back on your mat, and bring your legs up and dish your back (curve your back so that only the small of your back and your shoulder blades are touching the mat). Then, raise your arms up by your ears and point your fingers out. Hold it for as long as possible. This may sound basic, but it actually takes some practice to master and you may have to try it with your arms down initially.

How it works? This workout is an simple tool to tighten your stomach muscles, because you are stretching out everything close to it. You are also pushing all of your balance on your midsection, which strengthens your core muscles.

Of course, there are many other core strengthening exercises out there, and some need equipment or are best performed in the fitness centre, while others can be completed quite nicely in your home and in privacy. Core strengthening does not have to be difficult, but it does require commitment. Core strength plays a pivotal role maintaining good balance and internal strength so get fit and feel great. Besides, it will be worth it when your abdominals are the envy of all your friends!

Just a final note to warn anyone trying new exercises especially if they are not in good shape to consult their doctor to make sure the exercise would not be damaging.