Easy Core Workouts

We see them all the time – ads on TV, magazines or on billboards trying to convince us to buy the next magical product that will create those six pack abs you’ve been dreaming of, or your money back. The problem is these products tend to be over-hyped, overpriced and not particularly effective. Many products encourage bad form which can lead to injuries and frustration when that promised six pack never shows up. The good news is that you have another option. Core workouts are just as, if not more, effective than all those fancy machines, at minimal cost to you. In fact, these core workouts require nothing more than some floor space, a couple minutes a day, and a desire to finally feel confident with your stomach.

Crunches vs. sit-ups
More and more experts are choosing crunches over sit-ups these days. Sit-ups tend to lead to neck and back strain, where the just as effective crunch can protect from back strain a little more. The crunch is your most effective and easy tool for getting great abs. The important thing to remember is that in order to get a well defined six pack you must make sure you work all parts of your abs – upper, lower and sides (obliques). The beauty of the crunch is that with a few simple variations and less than ten minutes per workout, you can easily obtain that washboard stomach you’ve been dreaming of for years.

Basic Crunch
To do an effective crunch, start lying out on your back, with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Contract your stomach muscles, bringing your chest and shoulders halfway up to your legs. Do not lift with your neck – keep your head facing the ceiling and your lower back pressed against the floor. Lower back to the ground slowly. Do not just drop back to the ground, but keep the movement slow and controlled.

Variations
There are many variations of the crunch which work various parts of your abdominals. To work your lower abs, do a normal crunch, but every time you crunch up, pull your knees in towards your chest, focusing on keeping your back straight.

What about those obliques? Easy, lay on your back, with your legs raised about an inch off the ground. With your hands behind your head, pull in one knee towards your chest and try to touch that knee with your opposite side elbow. Make sure your motions are controlled, slowly twisting and contracting with your abs, not bending your back or neck. In fact, you may find it’s better to focus on touching your knee to your shoulder to prevent undue stress to your neck and back.

It’s not hard to get your stomach in shape with just a few moves and you’ll be surprised to find that after just a few of these core workouts, just how quickly you will start to see a difference.

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