The Best Ab Exercise for a Flat Stomach

Being overweight is not only about having excess body fat, but it is also, about where in the body the fats are concentrated. Central obesity, characterized by excess fat in the abdomen, is hazardous for the health. Apart from spoiling your appearance by expanding your waistline, belly fats also increase the risk of health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistant diabetes, fatty liver and
hypertension.

Ab exercises are not only essential for shrinking the belly fats they also help to strengthen the abdominal muscles. Workouts that target the core muscles of the abdomen inhibit abnormal fat accumulation in the belly. They also minimize the risk of spine injuries. Exercises that target the rectus abdominis muscle and the internal and external obliques, the main abdominal muscles, help to flatten the stomach.

Best Ab Exercises for Flat Stomach

Bicycle Crunch

Lie face up on a mat with the knees bent. Gently support the head with the hands placed behind the ears. Lift the shoulder off the ground towards the pelvis on the left, directing the right elbow towards the left knee while straightening the right leg. Repeat the workout by rotating the left elbow towards the right knee as you straighten the left leg. This pedaling motion by alternating sides should be repeated 12 to 16 times.

Captain's Chair

To do this workout, you need a captain's chair, which is an exercise equipment comprising of forearm pads and a backrest. Knee raise exercises with captain's chair helps to work the rectus abdominis and obliques.

By gripping the handhold of the chair while standing, raise the knees towards the chest. Keep your back straight by pressing it against the backrest while performing the workout. Slowly return to the original position.

Ball Crunch

Place an exercise ball beneath the lower back, and lie on it. With the arms positioned behind the head or crossed over the chest curl up, moving the chest towards the waist. The ball should be stable while performing the workout. Slowly stretch the abs as you return to the initial position.

Vertical Leg Crunch

Lie face up on the mat. Lift the legs vertically upwards and cross the knees. With your hands positioned behind the head, lift the shoulder blades off the ground, moving the chest towards the knees. During the peak movement, imagine pushing the bellybutton towards the spine.

Long Arm Crunch

Lie face up on the floor. With hands clasped, stretch the arms behind the head, near the ears. Raise the shoulder blades. Repeat the exercise 12 to 16 times.

Joshua "Coach" Kozak has been a fixture in the world of health and fitness for over 10 years. Burn calories with HASfit's weight loss exercises and get a ripped abs with HASfit's abdominal workouts

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_J_Kozak

13 Feb, 2013

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Source: http://burnthefat1001.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-best-ab-exercise-for-flat-stomach.html
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