Toning Your Stomach

A debate has existed throughout the years regarding which exercises and equipment would be most effective in toning abdominal muscles. Well, do not worry any longer. Here are some of the best and most effective abdominal exercises and equipment out there that can help you steadily lose weight and give you stronger abdominal muscles that would be vital in staying healthy, as well as keeping your spine protected and making sure you show off a nice, firm stomach whenever you want to.

Popular Abdominal Exercises

Crunches

Crunches refer to the exercises you do as you lie flat on the floor with your knees bent. You then alternately move your arms over your chest as you feel your abdominal muscles tighten. For optimum effect, wait to feel your abdominal muscles burn as you do these exercises. Although known as the greatest stomach exercise to date, crunches should be regularly rotated with other abdominal exercises, as well, to avoid too much repetition as this could lead to your muscles getting used to the exercise and no longer benefiting from it. Ideally, crunches are done at 4 sets of 20-30 reps each.

The Bicycle

The bicycle refers to the exercise you do as you lie supine on the floor and raise your legs all the way up to the hips while keeping your hands next to your head for support. Your goal here would be to pull your thighs up and curl your spine while performing cycling motions in the air as you lie on the floor, working out your abdominal muscles as you do so. Ideally, the bicycle is done at 25 reps forward and 25 reps backward.

The Seated Jackknife

The seated jackknife refers to the exercise you do as you sit on a bench while keeping your legs fully extended right in front of you. Your upper body should remain seated at an angle of 45 degrees as you perform this exercise. Then, bring your legs in and curl your entire spine forward before bending both of your knees and raising your legs inward. Keep this position as you take several breaths before returning to your very first position. Ideally, the seated jackknife is done at 2-3 sets of 12-15 reps each.

Popular Abdominal Equipment

The Exercise Ball

The exercise ball is a very common piece of abdominal equipment that a lot of people put to use nowadays since it proves to be highly effective in toning abdominal muscles. The exercise ball has the ability to further improve regular crunches since it gives your muscles more of a workout than regular crunches do. It also takes your safety into the utmost consideration at all times every time you put one to use.

In order to do successful crunches with exercise balls, you have to lie on your exercise ball face-up while keeping both of your feet on the floor. Then, contract your muscles and lift up your upper torso 3 inches from the ball in an angle of 30 degrees without falling off. Although challenging for most people, the abdominal muscles will definitely get built up. Ideally, these exercise ball crunches are done in only 1 set of 12 reps.

The Roman Chair

Despite its name, people do not sit on Roman chairs. About as effective as an exercise ball, a Roman chair refers to padded boards that have two similarly padded armrests on either side of it. It stands perpendicular to the ground and should be a bit higher than the height as the person who uses it.

In order to successfully tone abdominal muscles with this piece of equipment, you should position your arms onto its armrests while letting your legs hang to the ground. Then, lift up your legs until your knees reach your chest to complete your abdominal workout for a firmer stomach. Ideally, these Roman chair exercises are done in only 1 set of 10 – 15 reps.

Naturally, doing these exercises for the first time will not create toned abdominal exercises in an instant; the entire process requires time and patience, not to mention the utmost dedication. Simply remember that this happens to be a primary goal in your life and always keep in mind how great you will look if you keep at it. Stay motivated.