There aren't many body parts that can make as big an impact as a knock-'em-dead set of well-defined abs.
Three Key Exercises for Head-Turning Abs
Active Lifestyle
Try this 15-minute ab-building routine to help you turn that belly into a beach-ready set of abs.
Consult your physician before starting any diet and/or exercise plan.
Try out these key exercises in this 15-minute ab-building routine to help you develop that tight midsection you've always wanted. Just remember, well-developed ab muscles will mean nothing if they're covered up with fat. So along with doing this great ab-building routine two or three times per week, make sure you follow a calorie-reduced diet and exercise regularly, and use Hydroxycut® to support your overall fat-loss goals. With proper exercise, a good diet, and the help of Hydroxycut®, not only can you keep your abs looking tight, but your whole body can be exactly where you want it to be.
Quick Tips
- Perform the stomach exercises slowly and in control.
- Hold the exercise for 1 or 2 seconds at the top of the movement to make the exercises a little tougher.
- Allow 1 minute of rest between each set.
Muscles Worked
Abs (outside) or Serratus Anterior and Intercostals
Position and Movement
Position yourself on a mat or soft surface so that you're lying on your side. Rest your upper arm on your side and place the hand of your lower arm behind your head. With your head, neck, and body parallel to the floor, lift your upper body up slowly and as far as you can. Hold at the top of the movement for a short time before slowly returning to the start position. Switch sides and repeat.
Tip
Keep your body steady and perform the exercise in a slow, controlled fashion.
Abs (outside) or Serratus Anterior and Intercostals
Position and Movement
Position yourself on a mat or soft surface so that you're lying on your side. Rest your upper arm on your side and place the hand of your lower arm behind your head. With your head, neck, and body parallel to the floor, lift your upper body up slowly and as far as you can. Hold at the top of the movement for a short time before slowly returning to the start position. Switch sides and repeat.
Tip
Keep your body steady and perform the exercise in a slow, controlled fashion.
Muscles Worked
Abs (lower) or Rectus Abdominus
Position and Movement
Sit on a bench or chair. Lean back slightly and stabilize yourself with your arms on the sides of the bench or chair. Raise your legs up and bring them towards your chest (the closer you bring your knees to your chest, the more of a contraction your abdominals will get). Bring your legs back down, but try not to let them touch the floor.
Tip
You can make this exercise a bit easier by crossing your legs at the ankles during the movement. Avoid tucking in your chin as you do this exercise. Try to look forward.
Abs (lower) or Rectus Abdominus
Position and Movement
Sit on a bench or chair. Lean back slightly and stabilize yourself with your arms on the sides of the bench or chair. Raise your legs up and bring them towards your chest (the closer you bring your knees to your chest, the more of a contraction your abdominals will get). Bring your legs back down, but try not to let them touch the floor.
Tip
You can make this exercise a bit easier by crossing your legs at the ankles during the movement. Avoid tucking in your chin as you do this exercise. Try to look forward.
Muscles Worked
Abs (lower) or Rectus Abdominus
Position and Movement
Lie down on the floor or a mat. Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head. Keeping your back and head as straight as possible, lift your shoulders off the floor about 4 to 6 inches. Hold the finish position for a short period before lowering yourself slowly back to the start.
Tip
Avoid tucking your chin into your chest. Breathe out when your shoulders are off the ground.
Abs (lower) or Rectus Abdominus
Position and Movement
Lie down on the floor or a mat. Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head. Keeping your back and head as straight as possible, lift your shoulders off the floor about 4 to 6 inches. Hold the finish position for a short period before lowering yourself slowly back to the start.
Tip
Avoid tucking your chin into your chest. Breathe out when your shoulders are off the ground.
