Best Ab Workouts
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The best ab workouts always have some element of oblique exercise to them; for shaping the waist into that beautiful, trim form we see so often on models of both sexes. To make the most of an ab workout, you should incorporate exercises that focus not only on the six-pack (otherwise known as the rectus abdominis) but also on the oblique muscles that make up the side sections of the torso. Stimulating all the muscles of the midsection is necessary to give you that “perfect” waist you have been looking for. The exercises below are considered by professionals to be among the very best of all workouts that help give definition to the oblique muscles.
Side Planks
1. The famed side planks seem to be part of nearly every single one of the best ab workouts and rightly so. Side planks work out a wrap-around section of the whole torso by recruiting your oblique as well as the lower part of your back and your abdominals. To do a side plank, simply use one elbow—let us say your right one—to support your body and put your other hand—the left one—on your left hip. Then, in a slow motion, raise your right hip until it is off the ground and your spine is straight, holding the position for as much as half a minute. Slowly lower your hips again to come back to a resting position, then repeat this a few more times, always holding the position in extension. Do an equal number of reps per side.
Oblique Peak
2. The oblique peak is another one of the best ab workouts that deserve to be on this list for its oblique muscle activity. To do this exercise, you need to have a towel on hand and a floor that is slightly slippery (not too slippery to cause injury). Put your hands on the floor with the distance between them approximately equal to the width of your shoulders. Next put your feet together on the towel, which should be behind you. Your arms should be stretched in a straight line; keeping with the line of your spine. Next, use the floor and the towel to help you slide your feet to one side and to bring your knees in and beyond one arm’s elbow. Do this slowly and steadily and alternate between sides.
Russian Twist
3. The Russian twist is another member of the best ab workouts. To do a Russian twist, sit on the ground while keeping your back at a 45-degree angle to the floor itself. Your knees should be bent as you do this and your feet should be firmly set on the ground. Rotate to one side, putting your hands on the floor, and then to the other side. Perform the same thing you did before with your hands. These positions should be held for about a second each.
The best ab workouts only work if they are done with proper form and consistently, which several people tend not to do, unfortunately. A good trick is to ask someone to monitor you—a friend, a loved one, a family member—so that you do not fail in meeting your goals. Furthermore, try to incorporate a few different exercises in your daily routine. Some of the best ab workouts could be done when you are multitasking (for example, watching TV).