Hot Body Sculpting Posts — Page 20 of 25 « Body Sculpting

How To: Do a ball exchange abs exercise

The ball exchange is a fairly simple exercise that can be used to work the core muscles. It should be noted that this exercise requires extensive use of the hip flexors. These muscles reside on the uppermost part of the thigh, and are activated whenever the legs are elevated off the ground from a supine (on your back) position. Supine leg elevation can put a strain on the lumbar spine. Thus, the ball exchange is not recommended for those with lower back issues.

How To: Do an advanced slide board pike ab exercise

The slide board pike is an advanced exercise that requires "above average" upper body strength. Balance, flexibility, and muscular control are also important components of this exercise.

How To: Do a slide board knee tuck ab exercise

Slide board knee tucks are great for anyone looking for a challenging abdominal exercise. This movement requires a great deal of upper body strength. It is important to note that whenever the knees move toward the chest, the hip flexors (e.g. iliopsoas) are heavily involved.

How To: Exercise with the sit up and rotation with ball throw

Learn how to exercise by doing the sit up and rotation with a medicine ball throw. EXERCISE DETAILS:

How To: Exercise with the sit up on bosu & medicine ball throw

Learn how to exercise by doing the sit up on the bosu and a medicine ball throw. EXERCISE DETAILS:

How To: Do a hip roll ab exercise

The hip roll is great if you are looking to target the midsection. This exercise is used to target the oblique muscles, which occupy the sides of the midsection. The job of the obliques is to assist with rotation of the torso, as well as basic abdominal contractions.

How To: Do an elbow to knee side crunch ab exercise

If you're looking for an easy oblique exercise, try the side crunch. The oblique muscles are used to assist with rotation of the torso, as well as basic abdominal contractions. It is important to note that even though the side crunch is an oblique exercise, the entire abdominal region is being worked.

How To: Do an oblique twist ab exercise

The obliques are used to assist with rotation of the torso, as well as basic abdominal contractions. This exercise is great if you want to target the oblique muscles. Unlike traditional abdominal exercises, the oblique twist works other muscle groups as well.

How To: Do a heel toucher ab exercise

Here is a simple exercise. Heel touchers are primarily used to work the oblique muscles. The obliques are used to assist with rotation of the torso, as well as basic abdominal contractions. The obliques are commonly referred to as the "love handles." It is important to note that even though the heel toucher is an oblique exercise, the entire abdominal area is being worked. A workout mat or soft surface is recommended.

How To: Do a static side bridge ab exercise

Start by lying on your side on the floor or mat with the legs extended. The elbow should be directly underneath the shoulder to support the body. As you contract your abdominals, use your torso to lift yourself off of the mat while your elbow and feet are touching the ground. Hold this for 10 to 15 seconds making sure that the spine and neck are in a neutral position. Repeat on the opposite side.

How To: Do a modified static side bridge ab exercise

Start by lying on your side with the knees bent. The elbow should be directly underneath the shoulder to support the body. As you contract your abdominals, use your torso to lift yourself off of the mat while your elbow and knees are touching the ground. Hold this for 10-30 seconds making sure that the spine and neck are in a neutral position. Repeat on the opposite side.

How To: Do a lying-sideways side crunch ab exercise

There are many variations of the side crunch exercise. This exercise works the oblique muscles. The lateral flexors of the spine (quadratus lumborum) are also involved in this exercise. The obliques are commonly referred to as the "love handles." They are used to assist with rotation of the torso. They are also instrumental during abdominal contractions.

How To: Do a bicycle crunch ab exercise

The bicycle crunch is traditionally used to work the oblique muscles. While that may be true, this exercise is good for overall abdominal strengthening. The rectus abdominis (the "six pack" portion of the abs) is probably more active than are the obliques. Nevertheless, it is still an effective ab exercise. Instructions for the bicycle crunch are listed below:

How To: Exercise with the sit-up with arms overhead

Learn how to exercise by doing the sit-up with your arms overhead. EXERCISE DETAILS:

How To: Exercise with the straight arm side bridge & leg raise

Learn how to exercise by doing the straight arm side bridge and hip abduction. EXERCISE DETAILS:

How To: Do a double crunch ab exercise

The double crunch exercise involves two movements: a traditional abdominal crunch and a reverse crunch or knee-in. The reverse crunch portion of this exercise is supposed to target the lower portion of the abdomen. However, it is important to note that whenever the knees move toward the chest from a supine position (on your back), the hip flexors are the prime movers.

How To: Do a static V-hold ab exercise

This exercise is challenging! The static V-hold is a fairly simple exercise to perform. But if done correctly and at the right time, it can be very demanding. This exercise is most effective when performed as the last in a series of ab exercises; or basically, when the abs are completely fatigued.

How To: Do a v-up ab exercise

The V-up is one of the more challenging ab exercises. While it may appear simple, there are several factors that make this exercise difficult to execute properly. Some of these factors include timing of the movement, counterbalancing, hip positioning, flexibility, and abdominal strength.

How To: Do an abdominal curl-up exercise

This curl up is commonly used to test abdominal endurance. Many fitness certifying organizations use the curl up as a protocol for exercise testing. This exercise is similar to the abdominal crunch. However, the range of motion is greater than the crunch.

How To: Do a vertical leg crunch ab exercise

The vertical leg crunch is similar to the traditional abdominal crunch. The difference is in the positioning of the arms and legs, as well as the range of motion (the upper back comes higher off the ground). Listed below are instructions for performing the vertical leg crunch:

How To: Do a plate crunch exercise on a workout ball

If you are ready to take your ab workouts to the next level, this exercise is for you! The plate crunch can be used as a progression to the traditional workout ball crunch. The range of motion is virtually the same. However, a bar plate is placed behind the head to increase difficulty.

How To: Do a jackknife crunch ab exercise on an aerobic step

Are you tired of doing the same exercises for abs? The jackknife crunch may be the answer to your problems. This exercise effectively works the core muscles. It should be noted that whenever the knees move toward the chest (the jackknife motion), the hip flexors are involved. The hip flexor muscles are actually part of the upper leg. They allow you to kick a ball or lift the knee from a standing position (as in running). Thus, if you are trying to isolate the abs, there are better alternative...

How To: Do a long arm crunch ab exercise

The long arm crunch is a modified version of the tradition abdominal crunch. When the arms are extended above the head, it increases the level of resistance placed on the abs. Thus, the traditional ab crunch becomes a bit harder to perform. The long arm crunch is slightly different from the traditional ab crunch. This exercise is more of a curl up with the arms extended. Instructions for the long arm crunch are as follows:

How To: Do a flutter kick ab exercise

Flutter kicks are often used to work the lower abs. Generally, flutter kicks are performed at the end of an abdominal workout when the abs are fatigued. In reality, this exercise does very little for abdominal development. The main muscles worked are the hip flexors. So if you are trying to get the most out of your abs workout, there are better options.

How To: Do a scissor kick ab exercise

The scissor kick is often used to target the lower abs. However, this exercise does a poor job of working the abs. The hip flexors do most of the work. This exercise can be used in a continuum of ab exercises, but it should not be used as a primary ab exercise.

How To: Do a supine stability ball crunch exercise

This exercise is good for abdominal strength and endurance. It is safe and easy to do. The crunch is one of the most incorrectly performed exercises. This exercise works best when done slowly.

How To: Do a supine abdominal bridge exercise

The supine abdominal bridge is a great core exercise. It is relatively easy to perform and requires no fancy equipment. While the abs are the primary focus, the supine abdominal bridge also works the thigh and hip muscles (e.g. gluteus, hamstrings, quadriceps). They each allow the "bridging" of the hips to take place. Here is how this exercise is done:

How To: Do the rope climber ab exercise

If you are looking to add excitement to the traditional abdominal crunch, consider rope climbers. In this exercise, the abs go through a similar range of motion as the classic ab crunch. However, two things make this exercise unique. The first is the "rope-pulling" motion. The second is the range of the upper back and shoulders. They come up a bit higher than in the crunch.

How To: Do a supine leg raise

The supine leg raise is often used to target the lower abs. However, when the legs are elevated from a supine position, the hip flexors become the prime movers, not the abs. Leg raises can put stress on the lumbar spine. Thus, alternative exercises are recommended. It is also important to note that the midsection is not divided into lower and upper halves. The rectus abdominis is one muscle.

How To: Do a resistance band crunching exercise while kneeling

Here is a unique way to train the abs. The resistance band crunch is ideal for abdominal strength and endurance. It is safe and easy to do. This version of the resistance band crunch is done from a kneeling position. An exercise mat is recommended.

How To: Do a prone bridge plank position ab exercise

The prone (face down) bridge or plank is a great exercise if you are trying to develop the core. This exercise is unique in that it is done from a static position. There are no repetitive movements. The prone bridge strengthens the lower back, as well as several muscles in the upper body. If you are new to exercise, consider starting with a modified version of the prone bridge, then progress to a full bridge. A workout mat is recommended.

How To: Do a modified prone bridge ab exercise

The modified prone (face down) bridge or "plank" is a great exercise if you are trying to develop the core muscles. This exercise is unique in that it is done from a static position. There are no repetitive movements. The modified prone bridge strengthens the lower back, as well as several muscles in the upper body. A workout mat is recommended.

How To: Do a ball weave through the legs ab exercise

The ball weave is great for the core. This exercise looks flashy, but in reality, your abs are in a static position the whole time. There is very little movement in the midsection. The ball weave is easy perform, but it does require some coordination.