What are some great Ab workouts besides crunches?

Question

I'm so burned out on crunches :(

Answer 1

Pilates and yoga really work fast. Especially holding poses like the plank really sculpts the abs. But since some guys hate this type of exercise, I think you may want to give the following ideas a try. You have to have a comprehensive plan to target the abs. Here is a step by step plan that will give you visible results in 4-6 weeks.
•Get rid of the flab. If there is any. You need plenty of aerobic activity, like walking the treadmill or riding the recumbent bike, or surfing (which I find to be the most effective and fun ab workout out there), to burn fat around your belly. You also must eat a healthy, low-fat diet.
•Build the muscles in your midsection, which pulls your gut inward, with strength training exercises 2 to 3 times a week. Since you are bored with crunches try leg lifts and use those ab machines at the gym (use the BOSU ball and the medicine ball for added challenge). Add extra weights as you progress for greater resistance.
•Increase your endurance. Gradually, you’ll be able to last longer and spend more time with your routine.
•Concentrate on technique. Maintain slow, controlled movements and steady breathing while exercising.

Answer 2

I read an study done at a university the other day and here is what was said:(summed up)

Crunches, when you lift your chin towards the sky and hold. That is the absolute best ab exercise you can do for your abdominal muscle. You see, the ab is actually one muscle not a bunch of muscles, and the crunch is the one exercises that uses the entire muscle most effectively.

Basically, doing other exercises for your abs is a waste of time because its less efficient. Its a total misconception that doing leg lifts or other like exercises, work your lower abs more than crunches. Not to mention all of the so called "ab machines" that are out there on the market.

Just keep doing your crunches man.

Adam Beazley
http://www.fat-burn-secrets.com/burnfat.html

Answer 3

Pilates is all ab work, you should maybe check out a dvd online-I teach it and your abs get strong really fast. You think you have strong abs until you do this! For instance do this: Lay on your back on the floor-lift your legs straight up, now lower your legs at a angle that is comfortable for you, lift your head and your arms at your sides are lifted-hold and count to 10. Do this ten times, yeah! This is Pilates.

Answer 4

There's one where you catch a medicine ball while laying down. Another where you put the ball between your knees and lower the ball slowly to your chest. Try that a few times!!

Answer 5

Leg lift are great for your lower abs. Also try roman situps they strengthen your back and give you a trimmer look. (been working out)

Answer 6

Try doing crunches on a swiss ball, those big exercise balls.

Answer 7

Chin ups