By Kevin G Shaw
Simple Yet Powerful
Now what I am about to tell you is going to seem awfully simple, and it is. Who says that results have to be difficult to achieve. I know that some of you are going to immediately discredit that thought because we have all been taught to think that if it is hard than it isn't worth doing. Well I say "bologne" to that thought process. You are limiting yourself and your true potential if you keep thinking this way.
Rant Complete Now Back To Our Story
Anyways, off my soapbox and now on to 2 great exercises that you can use to get you a ripped set of abs. The 2 exercises that have worked wonders for me in my latest exercising to lose weight program are:
1. Hanging leg raises
2. Planks
That's it and that's all!
Getting Ripped With Hanging Leg Raises
Now for the hanging leg raises you are going to need some type of bar to hang from (obviously). I would highly suggest purchasing a chin up bar but if this isn't an option then make one using a large piece of wooden dowel or even the handle of a broom stick. Mount it in your garage or down in your basement (or wherever you workout). Now before we go any further I want to make another plug for the chin-up bar.
A Chin-Up Bar Aside
When you work out, you want to do so as efficiently as possible. Chin-ups, pull-ups and all their variations are some very good exercises that use multiple muscle groups all at the same time. For those of you that have never used chin-ups and pull-ups, you might be a bit hesitant because yes they are tough. Do you have to do 10 to 15 full chin-ups on your first try; of course not. Work up to the full version by using a chair and your legs to help push you up. Even with a chair, you are going to feel a major burn!
Start Hanging
Once your bar is installed you are basically going to hang from it (arms shoulder width apart) and start by raising your knees up as high as you can get them. Try and manage 4 to 5 sets of 15 reps (with only 30 seconds rest in between sets). These hurt in such a good way. If you find these to be too easy, work your way up to raising your legs up (knees slightly bent) so that you end in a pike position. These are advanced so take your time.
Don't Ignore Your Back!
One word of caution on leg raises. Pay special attention to your back at all times. Keep your back straight and your entire core flexed. Try also to raise your legs up as slowly as possible and do not swing them up. Swinging will only put your back at risk of injury.
Planks Are Oh So Good
Once you have completed your 5 sets, your tummy muscles are going to be quite tired. Rest for 1 minute and do 2 sets of planks on the floor holding the position for 1 minute (Ouch!). Planks work your entire core which in turn will help you in other areas as well (like lowering your risk of injury).
Quick And Effective
This is a very quick but truly effective ab workout that I have had great success with. Give it a try and see how it can work for you. Just remember that this is a tough sequence so work up to the reps and sets mentioned above. Don't get frustrated and just stick with it and you will be very happy with the end result.
Kevin is the author of this article and he is passionate about actively living a healthy lifestyle. His belief is one of incorporating fitness into each of our daily routines.
To get more information about exercising to lose weight you can check out his website here: http://www.loseweightbyexercising.com
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