More of the Best Abdominal Exercises

For the complete listing of the best abdominal exercises go to the Exercise Index.

It seems everyone want to know about the best ab exercises.

A slim waistline with well defined abdominal muscles sure stands out on the beach, whether you are male or female.

To get that 'six-pack' look requires more than just crunches or sit-ups or any other ab exercises alone. You will only get there if you incorporate the best abdominal exercises with your overall workout routine...including cardio work and proper nutrition.

That layer of fat over your abs is the enemy to be conquered. Do enough of the best abdominal exercises and you could build yourself the most amazing abs ever, but no one will ever know if they are covered with a layer of fat.

To paraphrase an old adage...

'Abs may be built in the gym but they are defined in the kitchen.'

The best abdominal exercises are performed slowly and deliberately avoiding the use of momentum which would make the exercise easier and lessen the effectiveness.

Here are some additional best abdominal exercises...

Over a Bench Sit-Up

Position a bench so you are able to sit on it and have an object close enough in front of you so you can put your feet under it to support your weight.

Sit directly on the bench and your knees should have a slight bend to them.

Starting in the upright position, inhale and lower your torso backwards and down until your are just below parallel with the floor. Return to the starting position and exhale.

Over a Bench Twisting Sit-Up

Position a bench so you are able to sit on it and have an object close enough in front of you so you can put your feet under it to support your weight.

Sit directly on the bench and your knees should have a slight bend to them.

Put your hands behind your head and place your chin on your chest. Twist your upper body to the right and retaining this position, inhale and lower your torso until you are just below parallel with the floor. Return to the starting position and exhale.

Do the prescribed number of reps on the right side and then change the position of the torso th the left side and repeat the same number of reps.

Over a Bench Compound Sit-Up

Position a bench so you are able to sit on it and have an object close enough in front of you so you can put your feet under it to support your weight.

Sit directly on the bench and your knees should have a slight bend to them.

Put your hands behind your head and place your chin on your chest. From this position, twist your torso to the right and inhale while lying back until your toso is just below parallel to the floor.

Return to the up position and exhale. Now twist your torso back to the straight position and inhale as you do a regular sit-up. After returning to the top position, twist your torso to the left and repeat the movement.

You then twist your torso to a straight position and do a regular sit-up again and then go back to the right side...etc.

Weighted Over a Bench Sit-Up

Position a bench so you are able to sit on it and have an object close enough in front of you so you can put your feet under it to support your weight.

Sit directly on the bench and your knees should have a slight bend to them.

Place a weight behind your head and put your chin on your chest. Inhale and lower your torso backwards and down until you are just below parallel with the floor.

Return to the starting position and exhale.

Weighted Over a Bench Compound Sit-Up

Position a bench so you are able to sit on it and have an object close enough in front of you so you can put your feet under it to support your weight.

Sit directly on the bench and your knees should have a slight bend to them.

Place a weight behind your head and put your chin on your chest. From this position, twist your torso to the right and inhale while lying back until your torso is just below parallel to the floor.

Return to the up position and exhale. Now twist your torso back to a straight position and inhale as you do a regular sit-up. After returning to the top position, twist your torso to the left and repeat the movement.

You then twist your torso to a straight position and do a regular sit-up again and then back to the right, etc.

Unsupported Sit-Up

Lie on the floor without having your feet supported. Place your hands behind your head.

Inhale and pull your torso upwards with your abs until your torso is past the vertical position.

You then return to the starting position and exhale. Try to keep your feet from raising off the floor as you are pulling yourself up.

The best abdominal exercises are performed slowly and deliberately avoiding the use of momentum.

Best Abdominal Exercises Index

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