When beginning an abdominal workout routine, for most people who ask the question of how to get six packs - the goal is simple: getting a flatter stomach fast. While a smooth, flat stomach looks good, it is less of an accomplishment if the stomach muscles have not gained any strength. In addition to slimming your outer abdominals, it's also crucial to build up strength in your core abs. Below are some stomach exercises that work out the core to build strong muscles throughout the abdomen, and will help you get 6 pack abs in no time.
Tone Your Torso
Start this abs routine on all fours, knees and hands on the floor. Keep your stomach pulled in and extend your left arm out in front of you (football fans, imagine a referee signaling first down). Keep this arm stretched out as you stretch your right leg behind you. Switch arms and legs, and repeat for an entire set. Take particular care not to let your pelvis sway out of position.
Butt Burner
You will need to lie flat on your back for this routine. Use a mat or towel to cushion your spine. Bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor, and position your arms at your sides. Squeeze your buttocks together as you lift your pelvis off of the floor. Keep the rest of your body in line. Raise up your pelvis to around 45 degrees, so your torso from your head to your knees makes a straight ramp. Hold this for 3 to 5 seconds before gradually lowering your pelvis to the floor. Repeat for an entire set.
The Crunchless Crunch
This abs exercise is pretty easy in theory, but can be reasonably hard to carry out. Essentially, it involves pulling your belly button in towards your spine. This can be difficult, as it means using muscles which you may not be used to utilising. To begin, either lay on your stomach or kneel down. You may like to try both ways, and ascertain which helps you feel the exercise better. Try to relax your torso as much as you can, then use only your lower abs to move your belly button towards your back. Hold for ten seconds. If this feels good, hold for a little longer. The goal is to hold the contraction until you either cannot feel it, or you feel other muscles working harder than the transverse abdominus. When you feel this, let out the contraction.
Scissor Kicks Routine
This stomach exercise also requires lying on the floor. Put your hands under your bottom, keeping your back against the floor. Slowly raise up 1 leg to a height of about 10 inches, then gradually lower it back to the floor. As your lower one leg, raise the other. Repeat this motion for an entire set. Keeping control throughout is essential, not allowing the momentum to overcome you. Your upper body should remain on the floor through the entire move.
These are just a few of all the strength building stomach exercises out there. If you're hoping to build strength in your midriff, look for exercises that workout your core, particularly the transverse abdominal muscles. Many components of Pilates are good for this as well, and make getting 6 pack abs easy.
