Nothing says sexy like a sleek, toned torso. Just look through a tabloid. Celebrities like Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Madonna and Jessica Biel are admired for their rock hard 6 pack abs. Getting a washboard stomach takes some discipline but you don’t have to torture yourself with endless exercise programs that just don’t work. In this article, we’ll discuss some simple ab exercises that will help you get that the sexy tummy.

As you begin your exercise and fitness program it’s important that you recognize that results will take time, as well as a lot of dedication and effort. You should also check with your doctor to make sure that you are healthy enough for the program you choose. People with lower back injuries should be especially careful when doing abdominal exercises. To strengthen your core, try using a stability ball to do your crunches instead of lying on the floor. You can also use the small bubble used for physical therapy. Some stability balls have soft rubber spikes built into the surface that give you a wonderful massage as you rock back and forth. If you have a large, sturdy stability ball, then use it at your desk as a substitute for your office chair. By sitting up and balancing your weight on the ball, you’ll give yourself an ab workout without even knowing it.

Leg lifts are another effective alternative to sit ups. Lie on the floor with your legs straight out and your hands at your sides. Lift your legs straight up (not bending your knees at all) until they’re at a 90 degree angle or as close to it as you can get. Lower your legs and repeat without letting your legs touch the floor. Performing this exercise on a yoga mat will make you more comfortable. If you belong to a gym, there is equipment that will allow you to raise yourself up using your arms as support and dangle your legs. This exercise will help to firm up the lower abdomen. Just be careful not to strain your back.

If you don’t workout regularly or you’re a beginner at ab exercises, then you may want to try the reverse crunch or V-up. It has the same effect as a regular crunch but with a lot less pain and strain. Lie on the floor and put your legs in the air. Instead of bending towards your legs as you would in a crunch, bend your legs back towards you. You’ll find this motion far less strenuous because you are lifting less weight.

Fueling your body with the right foods is essential to getting ripped abs. All those ab exercises won’t mean a thing if you’re carrying a lot of fat. Eating breakfast is critical to a healthy lifestyle. Not only does skipping breakfast impair your concentration and motor skills, it could lead to overeating later in the day. By the time lunch or dinner rolls around, you’ll be so hungry that you’ll eat everything in sight. Worse yet, you may plop down in front of the TV after eating and not burn off those extra calories. Even if you’re in a rush, try eating a bowl of vitamin enriched cereal. If you’re really late, grab a breakfast bar on the go. This helps your body get energized for the day.

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