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In case you're wondering, the best ab exercises and abdominal workouts
aren't the ones supplied by the varous gadgets
advertised on late night T.V. Believe it or not,
some of these gadgets, specifically the ones
that focus on using EMS (electronic muscle stimulation)
to provide muscle contractions can have rather
unpleasant side effects...
Minor but extremely unpleasant skin burns.
Not only that, but these "electronic ab miracles"
are largely worthless. Here's a direct quote from a
recent ABCnews.com article...
"John Porcari, a professor of exercise and sports science at the
University of Wisconsin, tested an EMS device
similar to those on the market in a study commissioned by the American Council on Exercise. After eight weeks of using the device only, participants had no significant increases in muscle size or strength. "
If you'd like to read the entire ABC News article,
Click Here!
OK... with that said, what are the best ab exercises
and abdominal workouts? Well, there's really
no surprise here. According to Men's Health
Magazine, the top three ab exercises are...
1) The Bicycle Manouever --Remember this one? Lie
on your back with your feet elevated and
pedal your legs like you are on an imaginary bicycle.
As your legs alternate back and forth you lift your
pelvis and touch your opposite elbow to your
opposite knee. Try a couple of these and you'll see
why this is rated number 1.
2) Hanging Leg Raises -- Without some
equipment, you'll be limited to performing these
in your local gym. Most gyms have
a piece of machinery that stablizes you in the air as
you raise and lower your legs. If not it's
likely they have a set of elbow harnesses that support
your elbows, and suspend you in the air.
Once there, you simply raise your legs until
they are at a 90 degree angle with your pelvis.
To begin you may wish to start with your legs bent
at the knee. For a really brutal abdominal exercise,
keep your legs straight!
Ouch!
3) Number three in our series of best ab exercises
and abdominal workouts is...
Crunches on a Swiss Ball (don't ask me why
they call it a "Swiss Ball", I have no idea).
It's likely you've seen these brightly colored
large balls in various gyms lately (not
only are they effective for doing crunches
on, they're great for many different exercises).
However, they are specifically good for ab
exercises because they effectively target the
muscle group, and two, they provide good
support for your back. All in all, a darn good
investment!
BodyTrends.com stocks quality Swiss and gymnastic balls!
So there you have it... the best ab exercises
and abdominal workouts. Need a 6-pack? Now you
know what to do!
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