-
The abdomen exists as part of a group of muscles called the core. The core includes the stomach, hips and lower back. These muscles work together to support the bulk of the body as well as control posture. Strong core muscles keep your spine straight and prevent lower back pain. Abdominal exercises don't only create a flat, toned stomach but also strengthen the important stabilizing muscles of the body.
Posture and proper form result in more effective exercise and better results. When performing chair exercises, always sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed and head facing forward. Feet should be firmly planted on the floor and spaced about hip width apart. Tightening the stomach muscles before a planned exercise movement helps increase the effectiveness of the workout. - Time can become the enemy of proper exercise. Choose to use every opportunity to do something good for your body during busy workdays. The gym might not be an option on your busiest days, but you can perform desk exercises to relieve stress. Working your abdominals while sitting in your chair shouldn't be a substitute for regular cardiovascular workouts. However, you might not feel as guilty about missing a day at the gym if you regularly perform chair exercises for the abdominals.
-
Chair abdominal curls require you to sit comfortably in your chair with knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Grasp the armrests and tighten your stomach muscles as you lift both knees toward your chest. This exercise will be noticeable to your neighbors in nearby cubicles; extend an invitation to join the fun.
Seated crunches are simply abdominal crunches performed in your desk chair. This exercise tones the abdomen as you sit toward the front edge of the chair and lean backward and forward in a crunch movement. Keeping the abdominal muscles tight when performing any chair exercise doubles the workout for your abs.
The internal and external oblique muscles reside on the sides of the abdomen. This area is the home of the love-handle problem, which is made worse by constant inactivity. Ab twists work this problem area: Twist gently and slowly until the chest rotates up to 90 degrees to the right and then the left.
