The Best Exercises for Killer Abs: Lower Abs Workout

Strength Training
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Why Regular Crunches Won’t Work

Whenever you do a sit-up or an ab crunch on a weight machine, look at your stomach and see which part is firming up. Do you notice that only the upper half of your abs – in other words, the part above your belly button – is the only section that’s getting flexed?

That’s because regular crunches only work your upper abs. You can get a six-pack on top and still suffer from jelly belly below because you didn’t do a lower abs workout to target those tough-to-get areas.

But this lower abs routine will change all of that for you. It will take dedication and work, but eventually, you will see the bottom section of your abs firming up and losing that extra weight.

The Plank

You’ve probably heard of the plank before. In its simplest form, it’s where you place your forearms on the ground and your legs in pushup position with your body in a straight line hovering above the floor. You flex your core for balance and stability to maintain this position for 30-90 seconds.

But there are several variations to the plank that you can use to spice up your lower abs workout. Here are just a couple options you can choose from:

  • Exercise ball plank: Get in pushup position, but instead of placing your hands on the floor, grasp an exercise ball between your hands. Raise your body so your arms are fully extended. Tighten your abs to stay balanced while hovering over the center of the exercise ball. Hold this position for at least 30 seconds. Try to eventually work your way up to 90 seconds.
  • Plank obliques: You can help yourself get a nice hourglass shape while you do your lower abs workout by moving your legs while doing the plank. Get into plank position with your forearms on the ground and your body straight. Kick one knee toward the elbow on the same side to work the obliques, which are located on each side of your core. Replace this leg in its original position and switch back and forth until you’ve performed ten kicks on each side.

Pilates Abs Exercises

There’s nothing like some core-strengthening Pilates exercises to tone your lower abs. Fit these two Pilates exercises into your lower abs workout and feel the burn as your movements scorch away the extras on your abs!

  • Hundreds: Lie flat on your back with your arms at your sides and your legs extended. Raise your legs to a 45 degree angle, or bend your knees if that position is too difficult to maintain. Lift your arms a few inches above the floor, but keep them straight. Lean upward with your shoulders and gaze at your stomach. Keep your core tight as you pump your arms up and down using tiny pumps of only a few inches. Do this 100 times, then return to your starting position.
  • Teaser: This one will take some balance. Begin by lying on the floor, but this time place your arms above your head. Lift your legs to 45 degrees, then tighten your core and raise your upper body. Angle your arms so they’re parallel with your legs, making a skinny “U” shape with your body. You will be balancing on your glutes. Hold this position for three to five seconds and repeat as desired.

Sources:

My own experience

Exercise.com: Getting Results from Your Ab Workout