I want to get in shape (my abs really), what is the best way?

Answer 1

It depends on how much work needs to be done. If you have a pouch or a little lovin' around your belly, then start with cardio to burn those initial pounds off. That way, you can start out with a flat or flatish mid-section and work your way with toning from there. If you already have a semi-flat stomach, then start toning.

My tips:

- Attack all ab muscles you can. Don't only do crunches. Get an exercise ball and over extend your ordinary crunches into deeper longer ones. The ab lounger machine seen on tv works great too.

Work the obliques by doing side crunches, cheerleading jumps (toe touches, herkies, pikes..etc.), or turning your mid-section from side to side holding a medicine ball in your hands to provide weight and resistance, or doing tae-bo punches/kicks (you could join a class or work with a tape/dvd) that require you to hold your stomach super tight.

Work the lower abs at home (even in your bed) by doing low "swimmer kicks" (laying on your back, elevate your legs 5-10 inches from the ground and cross your legs at the ankle back and forth while holding your stomach tight).

Maximize your other work outs you may be doing right now that can have great benefits towards your stomach. i.e. Holding your stomach tight while lifting hand weights helps with muscle control of your stomach.

Breath! Paced, slow breathing from the stomach helps keep a steady rate and flow.

Hold your stomach tight during the day whenever you think about it. Gently contract and release your stomach muscles during the day when you think about it.

Stretch your stomach BEFORE and AFTER your work outs. This improves muscle responsiveness in sense that stretching helps get the muscle ready for contraction so that the contractions are more effective and strong.

Cut out the sugars that like to settle around people's mid-sections! Sugars from bread and sugars from candy can cause bloating and excessive expansion of the waist line. It is best to limit your intake of sugars while on your quest for nice abs.

Increase water and vitamin intake. The vitamins will help nurish your body cells for a good work out and healthy muscle mass while the water will keep you hydrated and balanced.

Potassium after working your stomach (i.e. bananas) can help sooth your muscles and help them get ready for the next days of work out. Potassium is a key element along with calcium and sodium for muscle contraction and relaxation. Make sure your body has enough of this

**Consistency, Intensity, and Time*** are key to getting a good ab work out. You must be consistent with your schedule and do your work out for a certain amount of times per week (3-6 days a week, always give your body a day to rest). Always push yourself to have an intense work-out so that your abs get the most out of the time you are putting forth.

Hope that helped!! Good luck!

Answer 2

Do not do just sit-ups or crunches. Those only tone the ab muscles, but will not get rid of the stomach flab over it. You should try running, using an elliptical, or another activity similar to this. Pilates is VERY good for strengthening your core. Planks are good for your abs too, but somewhat difficult to hold for a long time, especially if you don't work out regularly. You should try to cut out some junk foods and eat a balanced diet. Make sure you get enough protein, because that's what helps you build muscle. Drink a lot of water throughout the day, too. It helps you lose weight...or so I've heard. I used a work-out video once that I kind of liked. It was called TransFirmer, and was basically a fast-paced sort of aerobics dance type of thing. The only thing is you need to have some sort of aerobic step or plastic storage box, unless you want to buy their special one. Good luck!

Answer 3

Walk and drink lots of water to flush toxins out. Do sit-ups and crunches. Change your diet. Add a salad and eat 5-6 small healthy meals. Cut out pop, pizza, and junk food. That alone will help you lose weight. Walking has been proven to be the best ab work out, but add the sit-ups and crunches. Use a work out ball to add difficulty. You can do!

Answer 4

If you do crunches that work all parts of your abs (top, sides, lower) while you're watching TV, it goes by so fast and you can get in a couple hundred without noticing. Plus, drink water when you're thirsty instead of juice or pop and that alone helps. Good luck!

Answer 5

Getting good abs is more about diet than exercise.

1. Eat more fiber.
2. Drink more water.
3. Avoid salt; it makes you retain water.
4. Eat light at night. If you *have* to eat after 6:30 or so, stick to fruit or veggies.

Answer 6

Crunches. Lots and lots and lots of crunches.

But remember without losing the flab around your waist with aerobic exercise, you will just have washboard abs covered up by fat. You will need to run, swim, bike, etc. to lose those extra inches.

Answer 7

Work out your whole body. Not jsut your abs. Add a little of everything and a little more of crucnches and sit ups and you'll be good to go.

Answer 8

get abs of steel for men works awesome!!! i had a line down my tummy in 2 wks! but make sure it is aofs for men. kinda hard to find esp on dvd

Answer 9

pilates is super good for your abs... also try billy blanks, he is rather intense but it works.

Answer 10

Um... sit ups & crunches.