Stomach Weight Loss Superstars!
There are lots of stomach exercises for those who want to strengthen their midsection and flatten the tummy. But how does one know which ones really work? The following exercises are some of the best around, according to recommendations by fitness experts. If you want to flatten your stomach but aren’t sure just where to start, try these exercises. If you’re new to exercise, be sure to consult a professional before beginning and always take a few minutes at the beginning of your workout to warm up properly and avoid injury.
Strain-free Crunch
Regular crunches that you’ve probably done before are great for working abdominal muscles towards the front of your stomach. They do very little for the transverse abdominal muscles (deeper in the midsection) and can even strain your back and neck. This exercise works those deeper transverse muscles and eliminates back and neck strain. The movement involves trying to pull the belly button in towards the spine with the abdominal muscles. First, lie or on your stomach or kneel, and relax your body as much as possible. Then try to use only the lower abdominals to move your belly button toward your spine. Try holding for ten seconds at first – if holding for ten seconds feels easy, hold for a little longer! The goal is to hold the contraction until you either can’t feel it, or you feel other muscles working harder than the transverse (deep) abdominals. When you feel this, relax the muscles and let the contraction out.
Hip Lift
Remain on your back for this next great stomach toning exercise. Place your arms at your sides with palms facing up. Lift your legs straight up in the air so that the soles of your feet are facing the ceiling and your legs create a ninety degree angle with your the rest of your body. Hold your knees as straight as possible. Contract your abdominal muscles so that it feels like your belly button is being pulled toward your spine, and at the same time gently lifting your hips off the floor. Raise your hips a few inches, keeping your legs extended straight upward. Hold this position momentarily, then slowly lower your hips back to the floor. Repeat this movement for an entire set (how many is up to you, but 10-15 should do the trick).
Long Arm Crunch
For this stomach flattening exercise, remain on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Extend your arms straight back on the floor as though you are reaching above your head. Contract your abs and slowly lift your arms, head and shoulders off the floor to about a thirty degree angle. Hold this position momentarily, then slowly lower your shoulders back to the floor. Repeat for an entire set. Focus on lifting your arms, head and shoulders by contracting your abdominals and not leading with your arms.
Try these stomach weight loss exercises for slimmer, trimmer tummy! Remember to warm up properly first, and don’t forget to consult your your doctor is you’re new to exercise.
