Top 10 Ab Workouts!

Workout detail by Lexi Walters

Part One

Toned and defined abs are often regarded as one of the most desirable and recognised characteristics of a healthy body. Seeing athletes such as Jessica Ennis and Tom Daley at the 2012 Olympics has further fuelled this interest in achieving the perfect abdominal muscles.
These exercises are bound to get you well on your way to your ideal physique.

The Abdominal Hold -

• Sit tall on the edge of a sturdy chair (or step with four risers) and place your hands on the edge with your fingers pointing toward your knees.
• Tighten your abs and bring your toes 2 to 4 inches off the floor. Lift your butt off the chair.
• Hold this position for as long as you can -- aim for 5 to 10 seconds.
• Lower yourself down and repeat.
• Continue this exercise for 1 minute.

The Side Crunch

• Keeping your weight balanced, slowly extend your left leg and point your toes.
• Place your left hand behind your head, pointing your elbow toward the ceiling.
• Next, slowly lift your leg to hip height as you extend your arm above your leg, with your palm facing forward.
• Look out over your hand while bringing the left side of your rib cage toward your hip.
• Lower to your starting position and repeat 6 to 8 times.
• Do two sets of 6 to 8 reps, and then switch sides.
  
  
  
  Opposite Arm and Leg Raise
• Begin on all fours, aligning your knees under your hips and your wrists under your shoulders.
• Raise your left arm to shoulder height and your left leg to hip height.
• Hold for 2 counts, reaching forward with your fingers and back with your heels.
• Repeat this exercise on the opposite side.
• Do 15 to 20 reps, alternating sides.
• For a bigger challenge, touch your opposite elbow to your knee as you pull your arm and leg in.
  
  
  
  The Cobra

• Lie facedown on the floor with your palms near your chest.
• Lift your head, shoulders, and chest off the floor, pulling your shoulder blades down and together.
• Hold for 2 counts and then lower back down. Repeat 8 to 10 times.
• For a more difficult exercise, try lifting your thighs and hips off the floor.
  
  
  
  
  
  More exercises in the next post..