Ab Workouts - Intermediate Workout Routine #9 For a Lean Stomach

Intermediate Ab Workout #9

Exercise: Exercise Ball Pull-Ins
Sets: 3
Reps: 25
Rest: 60-90 seconds of rest between each set
Advice: Using a large exercise ball, begin in a push-up position and place your shins on top of the exercise ball. Keep your back completely straight and pull your knees in towards your chest. Allow the ball to roll forward under your ankles. Be sure to contract your abs at the peak of the movement and then straighten your legs, rolling the ball back to the starting position.

Exercise: Flat Bench Leg Pull-Ins
Sets: 3
Reps: 25
Rest: 60-90 seconds of rest between each set
Advice: Sit on a flat bench with your legs off the end. Place your hands to your sides, grasping the edge of the bench with each hand. Extend your legs straight out and lean your back at a 45 degree angle. Bring your knees in toward your midsection, making sure that your abs are doing the work in a slow and controlled fashion. Return to the starting position.

Many people who are new to working out seem to always focus on developing ripped 6-pack abs. They really want to obtain a washboard like stomach that is lean and sexy. The key to getting shredded abs is diet and cardio since the only thing that is getting in the way is a layer of body fat. See, everyone actually already has 6-pack abs, its just that they are hidden under a layer of adipose tissue (body fat) that is hiding them. So, the most important things you can do is to eat a clean, healthy diet and include cardio workouts in order to burn calories so you can shed that layer of unwanted body fat that is keeping your six pack abs from popping out.

The abdominal muscles, also knows as "abs", are a group of muscles that provide movement and support to the trunk and torso, which is often called the "core". The core muscles are extremely important to mobility since they help control bodily movements, transfer energy, shift body weight and allow you to move in any direction. The abdominal muscles consist of:

• Transverse Abdominal
  
• Internal Obliques
  
• External Obliques
  
• Rectus Abdominis

The "core" is often referred to by personal trainers who advise their clients to develop this area in order to provide support for a weak lower back that usually causes pain in most people that have excess body fat in the abdominal region. If you have a "spare tire" or a "gut", you will be much more susceptible to issues with your lower back since the excess weight will put additional pressure on your back which over time will produce pain and discomfort. The abdominal muscles also assist in the breathing process and they have a direct influence on body posture. Developing a strong core is extremely important for creating and maintaining a healthy spine. As you get older, this is crucial to living a healthy and pain free life.

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