How to Work Out Abs Without Situps

By Carole Vansickle

The muscles in your stomach are called your abdominal muscles. Many people find these muscles to be the hardest and most frustating to exercise. The muscles in your stomach are called your abdominal muscles. Many people find these muscles to be the hardest and most frustating to exercise.

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Everyone wants great looking abs, but it can be difficult to get them using traditional methods like sit ups and crunches. These exercises can hurt the back and tailbone and, if done incorrectlly, will wear you out and leave you nothing to show for your efforts. Instead, you may wish to try an abdominal regimen that does not include that type of exercise. In this article, we will discuss how to work out abs without situps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Dumbbells (5 or 10 lb.)

How to Work Out Abs Without Situps

Step1
The figure on the right is showing strong-ab posture because his back has only a slight curve and his stomach muscles are tensed. Practice "Strong-Ab" posture. This involves standing straight with your bottom tucked under your body. It will tense your stomach muscles and help strengthen your abs whenever you do it. This posture is necessary for the following exercises, but also works out abs on its own.
Step2
Place your feet hip-distance apart.Keep your legs straight, but do not lock your knees.
Step3
Note that this exerciser's posture is still good and strong even though she is lifting a weight. Hold the dumbbell over your head with both hands.Grasp the weight firmly. Your arms should be straight as if you were getting ready to dive into the water.
Step4
Lower the dumbbell behind your neck.Make sure to maintain your strong-ab posture while you do this. You will feel a pull in your lower abs as you lower the dumbbell. Stop if you feel pain or discomfort and select a lighter weight.
Step5
Raise the dumbbell back over your head.Still maintaining strong-ab posture, raise the dumbbell back over your head. You can repeat this exercise as many times as you wish. When you are working your abs, you should try to do three sets of 25 to 50 repetitions. This high number of repetitions necessitates using a lighter weight than when you are doing a similar exercise to strengthen your triceps, so do not worry if you need to use only a 5 or 10 pound dumbbell.
Step6
Place your hands

Tips & Warnings

  • Consult a physician before beginning a new fitness regimen.

Photo/Video Credit

http://www.hoinews.com/uploadedImages/whoi/News/Stories/abs.jpg, http://agoodposturedoctor.com/images/Poor%20Posture-Correct%20Posture.jpg, http://www.shelterpub.com/_fitness/_weight_training/dt-09.gif

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eHow Article: How to Work Out Abs Without Situps

eHow Member: Carole Vansickle

Carole Vansickle

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Category: Sports & Fitness

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