Busy Fitness

Friday, December 12, 2008

Most Effective Ab Exercises Can Be Done At Home

The most effective ab exercises turned out to be the humble bicycle manoeuvre and captain's chair, while crunches on the exercise ball ranked highest for home exercise equipment.

While the bicycle manoeuvre and exercise ball can be done at home, the captain's chair is easily accessible at your local gym.

Don't sweat the current economic situation. Hit the floor at home where you can do these exercises that target the rectus abdominis (abdominal muscles) and obliques (muscles that run down the sides of the abdomen).

The bicycle manoeuvre, which comes highly recommended, is done lying flat on the floor. Simply press your lower back on the ground and place your hands next to your head. Raise your knees to around 45 degrees and slowly go through a pedalling motion. As you cycle, touch your right knee with your left elbow, then your left knee with your right elbow. Begin with 30 seconds of continuous cycling and build up to around two minutes.

Rolling right along, the exercise ball is highly versatile and allows for great crunches. Simply lie back on the ball until your thighs and torso are parallel to the ground. Cross your arms over your chest and tuck your chin slightly toward your chest. Contract your abs, raising your torso to no more than 45 degrees, exhaling as your contract and inhaling as you return to the starting position. Repeat this action for 12 - 15 reps.

Here you have it, the most effective ab exercises at home.

Click here for more home abdominal workouts guide on how to transform your sagging beer belly into a ripping six-pack now!