Tips for Stress free life  >  Expert Zone   > Muscles Building

       Muscles Building Tips by experts


How To Get A Flat, Toned Stomach


One of the most common fitness questions this time of year is "How can I tone my stomach for swimsuit season"? Typically, people believe that the guaranteed quick route to obtaining a rock-solid six-pack is a path packed with hundreds of sit-ups or abdominal crunches. Wrong!

The reality is that even if you do crunches every day you aren't guaranteed to get the stomach you desire. Getting those highly sought after, toned abs requires more work than just abdominal exercises. Plus, as far as stomach exercises go, sit-ups or crunches alone are not the solution.

We won't go into detail about the muscles that make up the abdominal wall, but it's good to know the basic information. At a high-level the abdominal/trunk area consists of 5 major muscles. It's necessary that all of these muscles be exercised. It's also important to utilize different types of training techniques like concentric, eccentric and isometric.

In addition to training those muscles, it is imperative that you also reduce the fat in your stomach area. If you don't decrease the fat in this area, then you'll never see well-defined abdominal muscles not matter how long and hard you train them.

The key to reducing body fat is a comprehensive workout program that consists of cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility exercises. Plus, don't forget a healthy diet. Good examples of cardio exercises are: walking, swimming, aerobics, and jogging. Strength training can be done with dumbbells, resistance bands and even just your own body weight. Flexibility can be as simple as a few stretches held in place for about 20 seconds.

Now, back to the specifics of abdominal training. Traditional crunches can be a part of your abdominal training, but should be limited and certainly shouldn't be the only part. To most effectively work your stomach area, it's necessary to include about 80% rotational work. Rotational exercises are those that include twisting-type methods. Simple crunches do not fall into the rotational category because you simply lift your body straight up and down.

To most effectively train your abs, incorporate a lot of variety, including different positions and equipment. This will allow your muscles to continually be challenged, which is what will help make them stronger and more defined. Remember that you don't have to lie on your back in the supine position to work your stomach area. There are hundreds of different ways to work them, including exercises in a standing position, on your side, raised on a ball, hanging from a bar, etc.

Don't forget the importance of form. If you don't use correct form when performing abdominal exercises, you'll severely limit the effectiveness not to mention possibly cause an injury. Tips for correct form include:

  • Don't ever pull on your neck or head

  • Don't allow your legs to move, they should remain still -- let your abs do all the work

  • Try to keep your belly button pulled in toward the floor throughout the entire move.

To get you started, below are a few sample exercises* with instructions. Start working out today, and you can show-off your toned abs in time for summer.

Basic Crunch: Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands lightly behind your head for support. Using your abdominal muscles lift your shoulders a few inches off the ground, pause briefly and return to start position. Complete at least one set of 10-12 reps.

Standing Towel Circle: Stand tall and hold a small towel (or resistance band) taut overhead. Contract abs and slowly draw a large, wide circle over your head and around your torso with your hands. Keep towel pulled taut throughout. Return to beginning position and reverse the circular direction. Complete at least one set of 8-10 reps in each direction.

Oblique Twist With Ball: Begin by sitting on the ball. Walk feet forward until ball is resting under your back -- body is now parallel to the floor. Place hands lightly behind head for support. Using your abdominal muscles slowly crunch up lifting your shoulder blades off of the ball and rotate left shoulder toward right hip. Return to starting parallel position and repeat then switch sides.

For access to a huge library of exercises demonstrations (including demos for the above exercises), visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com

*You should always consult your physician before trying any new exercise programs.

About The Author

Lynn Bode, author and certified personal trainer, offers her services online through WorkoutsForYou.com. Workouts For You delivers affordable weekly exercise programs to help even the busiest of people lose weight, tone-up, build muscles, increase stamina and more via the Internet. Let us guide you one-on-one through your fitness journey. Visit us online for a free sample workout.

info@workoutsforyou.com


MORE RESOURCES:

See the complete list of Articles on Muscles Building here

Have a look at Best Selling Books on Muscles Building

 

Google

See also : Other articles on

Depression, Grief Loss, Happiness, Humor, Inspirational, Motivation,
Positive Attitude
, Meditation, Spirituality Goal Setting, Wealth Building, Ethics, Stress Management
Yoga, Alternative Health, Build Muscle, Exercise,   Aerobics Cardio, Fitness Equipment Pregnancy  Dating, Elder Care, RelationshipAcneBeauty, Hair Loss
Cooking Tips, Recipes,Top Tips for everything Crafts Hobbies, Creativity, Fishing Photography, Pets,


Latest info on : Build Muscles

 


Gonzaga takes on North Carolina, tradition in first-round women's NCAA game
Seattle Times
Not recruited by Pac-10 schools because of her scrawny stature while starring at Kentwood High, she worked to build muscle and become a leader under Gonzaga ...

and more »


Force Factor Ingredients New Muscle Building Supplement
I-Newswire.com (press release)
This muscle building supplement is supposed to increase your strength, boost your energy and build muscle mass. Not only does Force Factor claim to get you ...



My Fat-Loss Experience
The Epoch Times
So, while this group of women did not seem to build muscle, they did not lose any either. Men have the added advantage of being able to preserve and even ...



Times LIVE

Man in the mirror
Times LIVE
The obsession to build muscle comes at huge expense and cost to their relationships. Bodybuilders spend a fortune on supplements, fat burners and food ...



Times LIVE

Bigorexia: The Expert View
Times LIVE
To build muscle fast, many bodybuilders take steroids, which they can get from sports coaches, GPs and illegal sources. Johannesburg sports physician Dr Jon ...



NEIGHBORS BRIEFS
Vineland Daily Journal
Yoga has become one a popular workouts for those looking to improve flexibility, build muscle tone and reduce stress. However, yoga could potentially be a ...



BU Student's Innovation and iPhone Application: PhotoCalorie
The Quad (blog)
Whether [you] want to lose weight, build muscle or just be more aware of what you eat, PhotoCalorie can help. If you look at any diet website or book, ...



MSN Health & Fitness

6 Best Walking Workouts for Weight Loss
MSN Health & Fitness
... program include picking up the pace, going a new distance, and integrating strength moves to build muscle, maximize your metabolism, and burn more fat. ...



A brief account on Sports Supplements
Gather.com
It is another source of protein from milk that helps build muscle mass. It is known to help weight lifters to build muscle rapidly. ...



Hold the protein shakes: A balanced diet is key to building muscle
Medill Reports: Chicago
The best way to build muscle is with a balanced diet, including 15-20 percent protein from sources that include milk, eggs, yogurt, nuts, ...


Google News

Why not be an expert yourself  ?

 If you can write on any of the above topic, you are welcome to submit your
 articles in our database :

 Submit your article here   Our Article Area

You are here Home > Tips for Stress free Life > Expert ZoneMuscles Building


| Muscles Building Home | All tips on Muscles Building- complete list 

 Main Home | | Meditation Corner

                |Health Tips  | Workplace Tips  | Soul Tips  |Expert Zone  |

Recommend us  |

 Books, DVDs and accessories on meditation & yoga  |

[About us] [Contact] [Privacy Policy]

Copyright 2006, Meditation is Easy.com, All rights reserved