Walk into any gym and theres usually somebody on the floor crunching away like theres no tomorrow.
Too bad, its not the best way to work your abs.
Among the most common mistakes I see in the gym is when members, especially overweight ones, perform 80 crunches a day expecting to totally transform their physique.
This is a waste of time. They should be focusing their efforts on more effective exercises.
Sadly, I even seen personal trainers making their clients do tons of crunches at the end of a workout. Theres no need to ever get on your back for a nice tummy.
A better way of working your abs is to make them a part of a total body workout rather than at the end of a split routine which is a workout based on a specific body part each day.
The best and most functional exercises are the ones that work more body parts at one time. This not only makes your body look great, it makes your body work better.
Here is an awesome workout that will produce a great mid-section. For results, you must keep committed. Perform this routine three times a week with another activity on the days off. Try it for a few weeks.
1. Plank (abs and back)
Hold for 30 seconds
Lie face down with forearms and palms flat on floor
Raise up onto toes and rest on elbows
Keep back flat
Contract your abs to keep from raising rear end in the air
2) Squat front kick (abs and legs)
Perform for 30 seconds
Stand with feet a little closer than shoulder width apart
Raise the right knee up and extend into a front kick
Bring that leg back down to the floor
Lower down to a squat
Repeat on the left leg
3) Spiderman pushups (abs, shoulders, arms)
Perform eight on each side
Start in up part of the push-up position
As you lower your body, lift your right foot off of the floor and bring your knee towards your head. Rotate your shoulders and look at your right knee
Put your foot back down and rotate your body back to facing forward; repeat on the left side
Perform three rounds of this routine and youll have better abs in no time.
Natasha Linton for FitnessGoop.com
