Core Workout Tips For Effective Ab Workouts

A good core workout not only strengthens your abdominal muscles but also gives you a good posture and balance.

It is important that you follow these core workout tips, for effective workout results.

Core Workout Tip#1- Avoid Doing Lower Abs First

Lower ab exercises are more difficult to perform due to the greater weight of the lower body and also because rectus abdominis is weaker than the upper abs. Therefore an important core workout tip Is not to train your lower abs first.

Training the stronger section of the abs first will make it a lot harder for you to perform harder lower stomach exercises, as it will be fatigued, thus preventing you to perform decent number of reps.

Also remember that it is always better to perform ab exercises last whether it is upper or lower abs in your exercise routine.

Core Workout Tip#2- Breath Properly During Core Workout

When you reach the top position of the crunch, make sure to exhale. This helps in contracting your ab muscles, also try to hold it for a few seconds as this maximizes muscle involvement.

Core Workout Tip#3- Do Isometrics

Doing isometrics is a great core workout tip. Isometrics helps to tighten the ab muscles, which results in, you getting ripped abs.

Isometric means tightening your body part and holding that position for few seconds.

• Tense each muscle in your abs and hold it for 8-10 seconds, then relax for 8-10 seconds.
• Do 10-20 sets.

You can perform isometrics anywhere on your couch, office or in your car.

Core Workout Tip#4- Avoid Fast Digesting Carbohydrates

• Eating fast digesting carbohydrates limits the fat burning capacity and increases the fat storage capacity, because it increases the production of insulin in the body.
• Instead choose slow digesting carbohydrates (low glycemic index carbohydrates), in which the conversion of sugar in glucose is more steadier and gradual. Low glycemic index carbohydrates (also known as complex carbohydrates) will keep you full for longer period of time, thus reducing your total calorie intake.
  
• Avoid regular sodas, sports drinks, white bread, white potatoes etc.
• Choose oatmeal, sweet potatoes, fruits, whole wheat, legumes, brown rice and vegetables.

Core Workout Tip#5- Vary Your Rep Speed

Change your rep speed from slow and controlled to fast. This will help you to build more power, size and strength to your muscle fiber in the midsection.

Core Workout Tip #6- Hanging Leg Raises Are Best For Lower Abs

Note- Consult you physician before attempting the exercise.

1. Jump to grab a high bar, so that your body hangs freely without touching the floor.
2. With a slight arc in your lower back, hang with your arms fully extended.
3. Bend your legs to 90 degree angle, and raise your thighs as high as possible, contracting your abdominal muscles.
4. Inhale and hold your breath when you bend your legs to 90 degrees.
5. Exhale before lowering your legs to the initial position.
6. Try to do 2-3 sets of 5 reps. As your muscles develop, increase your reps to 10.

Variation - As the bent-legs exercise becomes easy, do with straight legs.

Make sure that you stretch before you grab the bar to avoid pulling your muscle. Remember not to swing your body, and try to raise your thighs as high as you can.


Core Workout Tip#7- Decline Roman Chair Sit-Ups Are Best For Upper Abs

Note- Consult you physician before attempting the exercise.

1. Set the bench at an angle of 30-45 degrees.
2. Rest your legs through the pads and sit on the bench.
3. Place your hands behind the head, and lean back till you touch the bench.
4. perform crunches. Raise your upper body till its vertical.
5. Do 2-3 sets of 20-30 reps.

Make sure you don't go to far down when performing crunches.

Besides these core workout tips, you must remember that, for your abs to show up, You need to remove the fat from your belly first. So you must pay attention to what you eat .

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