How to Maximize an Ab Workout
Many people desire to have strong, defined abs. Not only do strong abs look good but they also benefit your health, improve posture and enhance sports performance. There are many options for ab exercises. Whatever exercise routine you choose, you can maximize your ab workout by being disciplined and by using proper technique.
Instructions
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Check your form. Whether you are doing crunches, sit ups or any other ab workout, your form is key to performing the workout correctly. For example, during crunches, you are lifting part of your upper body until you feel the contraction of your abdominal muscles. When you feel the contraction of your abdominal muscles during any ab workout, you are doing it correctly.
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Do the full motion of an ab workout so that you target the abs. If you lift from your neck and or shoulders, it will not benefit your abs. The full motion would include following through with the whole motion for that particular exercise. For example if you are doing bicycles, lift your shoulders up and bring your elbow to your opposite knee.
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Set your own personal goal for each workout session that is appropriate for your ability. Forcing yourself to do a certain amount of repetitions when you are not physically up to that level yet, will result in an ineffective workout. Your main goal is to do quality repetitions, not quantity.
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Workout different parts of your stomach. You should workout the upper portion of your abs, the lower portion and your obliques. It is important to keep all parts of your abdominals strong. Divide your ab workout so that you work all sections of your stomach evenly. For example, do 5 minutes each on your upper abs, lower abs and your obliques.This way you get a full abdominal exercise.
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References
- Photo Credit Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images
