Six Pack Abs_ Abdominal Exercise Equipment

Six pack abs are desired by almost everybody. Getting those washboard abs are becoming a necessity because of long and convincing infomercials that we see a lot. There are numerous abdominal exercise equipment in the market nowadays like abdominal belts, abs-rockers, abs-lounges and many more.

When choosing for the correct equipment you would need to consider some things first. You should not be deceived into buying fancy equipment which you do not really need. You can do some research about abdominal exercise machines and workout equipment before you buy them. The selected equipment must be easy to move and easily detachable.

Before attempting any rigorous fitness schedules at home with the newly purchased machine, consult with a doctor first regarding injuries and medical conditions. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintaining the machine. All said and done, the bottom line is any piece of exercise equipment is a good choice if one uses it.

So what are the benefits of having an abdominal exercise machine at home? This would allow you to focus on hard on the target. Some abdominal exercise equipment is poorly designed or made from weak, undependable materials; some can even be dangerous to use. Strained or torn abdominal muscles are incredibly painful, and can put you on the shelf for a long time. Buying poorly designed abdominal exercise equipment is a risk you don't have to take.

There are steps to ensure that you are choosing the correct abdominal equipment for you:

(1) Choose the equipment based on how much space you have and how intensely you plan on working out. If you live on a small apartment, you may wish to opt for smaller devices.

(2) Make sure to adjust your abdominal equipment so that you are comfortable throughout your exercise. Lay your towel where you can easily get it to absorb your sweat.

(3) When picking up or using weight, make sure that it is not too heavy or it will injure you and will make you fall.

(4) You can interlock your feet, ankles, or knees in the abdominal equipment you are using. This would give you added support and stability while working out.

(5) Begin by inhaling , tightening your abdomen back toward your spine and then raising your neck and head a few inches off the ground. Exhale as you roll up. Support your head with your hands so you don't strain your neck.

Some great pieces for your workout include:

(1) Stability Ball (Exercise Ball)

The stability ball is a great piece of equipment. In addition to increasing range of motion for crunches and other abdominal exercises, the stability ball also improves your balance and coordination. You can start with the basics such as regular crunches or oblique crunches.

(2) Medicine Ball

The medicine ball is simply a weighted ball. Although some people may think that medicine balls are only for boxers and athletes, medicine balls can really enhance your core workout.

(3) Ankle Weights

Ankle weights can increase the intensity of reverse crunches and leg raises. When regular leg raises become really easy, you can add ankle weights to increase the muscle work in your abs.

(4) Cables or Resistance Tubes

Here is another way you can add resistance to your abdominal muscles to break through strength. You can perform cable crunches from a low cable tower by lying on the floor and holding the resistance behind your head. Or you can perform cable crunches from a kneeling position.

There are number of equipment in the market that you can use to get yourself six pack abs. Your just have to choose the correct one and the one that suits your needs the best.

Pilates History

This physical fitness system was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. As of 2005, there were 11 million people who practiced this method regularly and there were approximately 14,000 instructors in the U.S.A.

Pilates names his method of exercise Contrology as he believed that his Pilates Method used one's mind to control the body's muscles.

The program's main focus is on the core postural muscles. These help to keep the body balanced, and these muscles also help to provide support for the spine.

Pilates exercises make a person aware of breath and the alignment of the spine. An emphasis is also placed on strengthening the deep torso muscles which are so important in helping to alleviate and prevent back pain.

Joseph Pilates first formed this method during World War I in an effort to improve the rehabilitation program that would be needed by many of the returning veterans.

He believed that physical and mental health are essential to each other. His precise movements emphasized form and control to help the injured soldiers regain their health by stretching, strengthening and stabilizing key muscles.

-The Pilates Principles- were created by Joseph Pilates to condition the entire body which includes proper alignment, concentration, precision, flowing movement, centering, control and breathing.

You can expect a Pilates session to help increase strength and flexibility, align the spine and lengthen the body. The Pilates method does not build muscle mass.

The fields of rehabilitation and fitness encourage Pilates for its focus on the lower back muscles as well as those of the abdomen.

Lose The Belly Fat

Where does all the extra weight go? This tends to vary from person to person. I know if I put on some extra pounds, it will head straight to my stomach. However, if my wife gains weight, it typically heads for her thighs and butt area. Now, what can you do to shed this excess fat? Well, whether you're struggling to lose belly bulge or thunder thighs, there are specific exercises to get the job done right. Are you ready take the next step?

Let's talk about the old spare tire. Isn't this what folks used to call it? It's that extra chub that resides just above your waist and beneath your chest. Every day individuals are striving to lose belly fat and keep it off. However, are they going about it the right way? When I take a glance around the local fitness center, I know that they're not. You want to know why? Because the same people I saw a year ago are still walking in there and they haven't changed a bit. Sure, they do their workout regimes and break a good sweat, but they're forgetting about one crucial part. EATING HEALTHY! There is no way that some of these common gym dwellers are eating healthy. And regardless of what you think, this is half of it.

Therefore if you hit the gym five days a week for a full-body workout, but then grab a value meal at Burger King for dinner, you're wasting your time and effort. You won't lose belly fat, because you're stagnant. You basically burn calories and them consume a ton more. This may keep you at the same weight, but it won't help you excel. Not to mention that it's terrible for your heart and overall body. It's imperative to adopt healthy eating habits if you actually expect to lose belly flab and gain rock-hard abs.

Exercises for toning up! Cardio is essential for burning calories. Take your pick from treadmills, to stationary bikes, to Elliptical machines. All will get your heart rate up and help you lose belly fat. Then there are toning exercises such as crunches, knee raises and sit-ups. All of which will strengthen and tone you stomach muscles. But remember, if you don't lose belly fat first, no one's going to be able to see that six-pack shine through.

Different Exercises To Get A Flat Stomach

There are many different exercises to get a flat stomach. Some require machines or special equipment; others simply require a floor to lie on and a little motivation and determination. There are some that are performed while also exercising other groups of muscles such as in Pilate's moves, where every exercise will work the stomach muscles even if the focus is the legs, arms or other area of the body.

There are a couple of movements that are very basic and yet give many people the results they are looking for. The first movement is the basic crunch. These exercises are better for the body then sit ups because they do not strain the back as much. A crunch is performed simply by lying on your back and raising the upper portion of your body a few inches off the ground, just enough to feel the strain in the stomach muscles. The key to these movements is to be sure your stomach is doing the work and not your head, or arms. Also, it is important to keep everything straight, do not lift the head more then the shoulders or back, for more information and detail on performing this movement properly there are many resources available on the internet, in books and also in videos. Another movement which is also great and should be done in conjunction with the basic crunch is a side crunch which works the oblique, or as some people call them "love handles" This exercises are performed the same way as the crunch, only the body is twisted slightly to one side. Again to get a more accurate description of how to properly perform this movement there are many resources available.

Along with working out the mid section of the stomach and sides, a person should include several different exercises to get a flat stomach by way of exercising the whole stomach, which includes the lower section and upper section of their stomach as well. It will do a person no good to only focus on one specific muscle group of their stomach. There are many places to find exercises to get a flat stomach including the internet, library, book store and in videos. With so many different options a person may have trouble deciding which exercises would benefit them the most while trying to get a flat stomach. The best suggestion in this case is to try several different ones and decide what works for the individual. One exercise may work great for one person, but be too strenuous for another. Or, one person may be in better shape and be able to do several different exercises that a beginner can not do, at least in the beginning and may just need to concentrate on one movement, instead of a series of different movements in one workout session.

While some exercises to get a flat stomach may work better then others, no exercise will work if not properly performed and done regularly. A person should decide which exercises they are both capable of doing and also can do for an extended period of time while working to get the flat stomach they want. If they exercise is too complicated, takes too much time or can only be done on a special type of equipment, the person may not be able to stick with it long term. Remember, getting a flat stomach will not happen overnight, it takes time, dedication and patience, regardless of the exercise used.

Why Do People Do Exercises For The Stomach

Exercises for the stomach muscles are among the most popular type of exercise done among people wanting to build a better body. When anyone plans a workout program to build and strengthen muscles, abdominal workouts are always included in the routine. Why is this? Why are more people concerned with their stomach muscles then any other part of their body?

There are several reasons for this. The first reason should be for health reasons. It has been documented that people carrying around a lot of extra fat around their stomachs are at a greater risk of certain health conditions then people that may be carrying the weight in other areas of their body. This reason alone is enough to entice many people to exercise their stomach, and a major reason why doctors suggest doing exercises for the stomach.

The stomach is the core of the person's body, when the stomach is strong; it helps make the rest of the body look and feel stronger. This is another reason to do exercises for the stomach. Most people want to feel strong and be strong, whether it is so they can do their jobs, play with their children or just to feel better about themselves. Also, when the stomach is strong, it helps to take away pressure from several muscles in a person's back. Considering that back problems are a big problem with many people, this is another good reason to keep the stomach muscles strong by exercising them.

The next reason, and usually the biggest reason are looks. People tend to think that a good looking stomach equals an overall good looking body. There are not too many people that find a bulging stomach attractive. When people look in the mirror, or someone passes by them that they want to impress, usually a natural reaction is to suck in their stomach.

Women that have just had a baby are usually extra concerned with their stomach muscles, and find themselves wanting to do exercises for the stomach as soon as they are able to. This is not only for appearance sake but also for health reasons since their stomach muscles really need to be strengthened after their bodies have been put through childbirth.

Health and looks are the primary reasons to do exercises for the stomach, but people have many different reasons motivating them to actually do exercises for the stomach. Perhaps swimsuit season is coming up, which is usually the time most people really get interested in doing exercises for the stomach and they just want to look their best.

Maybe a high school reunion is coming up and a person wants to look extra good, or a person is getting married which is another very popular time for wanting to tone up stomach muscles. Maybe their doctor has told them they need to or maybe it is just to have more self confidence in them. No matter the reason may be, as long as the person is motivated enough to continue their program until they see results then the reason is a good one.

Reduce The Size Of Your Tummy

Now that spring seems to finally be back in our lives, many people are concerned about wearing down that belly they have built up, making way for a sculpted midriff to shine through. Those folks who let themselves go a little in the winter months may be working overtime now that it is April and thoughts of bikinis are dancing in their heads. The good news is that there are, of course, stomach exercises to speed along the process. Some are better than others, including these few, which are good specifically for reducing the size of that tummy. These particular exercises are targeted at beginners, so give them a try if you are just starting out. Once you have mastered these, feel free to advance to something more challenging. When doing these exercises, it is important to move slowly so as to maintain control and not allow momentum to take over. As with any workout routine, be sure to consult a professional before beginning and always warm up properly to avoid injury. Vertical Leg Crunch This is a variation on the traditional crunch that focuses more specifically on reducing stomach fat. To begin this stomach exercise, first lie on your back on a flat surface, such as the floor. Use a mat or towel to cushion your spine. Put your hands behind your head, with elbows out far enough that they are out of sight. Now lift your legs straight up into the air, crossing your ankles and bending your knees slightly. Contract your abdominals and lift your shoulders, head and upper back up to about a thirty degree angle. Be aware of not lifting with your hands or leading with your head.

Hip Lift You will need to stay on your back for this stomach exercise. Use a mat or towel to cushion your spine. Put your arms at your sides with palms facing up to the ceiling. Put your legs straight up in the air so that the soles of your feet are facing the ceiling and your legs make about a ninety degree angle with your torso. Keep your knees unbent and as straight as possible. Now, contract your ab muscles so that it feels like your belly button is being pulled toward your spine, while at the same time gently lifting your hips off the floor. Raise your hips to height of a few inches, keeping your legs extended straight upward. Hold this position, then slowly lower your hips back to the floor. Repeat for an entire set.

Long Arm Crunch For this stomach exercise, remain on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat. Lie back and extend your arms straight back on the floor as though you are reaching above your head. Contract your abs and slowly lift your arms, head and shoulders off the floor to about a thirty degree angle. Hold it, then slowly lower your shoulders back to the floor. Repeat for an entire set. Be careful not to lead with your arms, keeping them straight and alongside your head.

Abdominal Exercise Machines

Abs are a huge deal! Have you noticed this lately? I was just watching a film entitled "The Covenant" with my wife, and couldn't help but notice the physiques. One character in this movie had ridiculous abdominal muscles. I'm talking ripped to shreds here. I couldn't help but laugh since no athlete I saw in high school had abs like this. Sure high school kids work out, but this guy looked like he was training for a fitness magazine. Oh, and not to mention that he looked about 25 years old. He must have invested in some major abdominal exercise machines. It's either that or some really cool genetics.

You can take your pick from an abundance of abdominal exercise machines on the fitness market today. Who doesn't have a bright idea for some new and improved ab invention? It's kind of funny because I was just reading a piece on abdominal muscles last weekend. Personally I like to switch-up my workout regimes just to keep my muscles guessing. This typically promotes more growth. Anyway, the article said nothing promoting abdominal exercise machines. In fact, it didn't mention them at all. It named the three most effective abdominal exercises, which are all performed without the contemporary abdominal exercise machines. The first one was the bicycle motion. This is performed while lying on your back. You pretend like you're pedaling a bicycle and bring your elbows to your knees. The second ab exercise is crunches. These are highly recommended since they put very little stress on your back. And the third was also crunches, but crunches done with the aid of a chair to prop your legs on. I tried these and it's a great one. I found that it really started burning quickly. I love that!

In short, before you run out and purchase the latest abdominal exercise machines, I suggest that you do a little reading online first. This will help you better understand how the abs are properly worked and exhausted. The last thing you want is to adopt an ab exercise that damages your back over time. Furthermore, the recommended exercise routines are free; unlike modern-day abdominal exercise machines. You do the math. On the other hand, I do suggest that you try a few different exercises so that you can determine which one offers the best results.

Body Building Workouts The Insiders Guide To Success

If you want to put together an effective body building workout, you've got to prepare yourself with the right mix of cardiovascular exercise and proper resistance training. Each person is different, but generally speaking, overall body development encompasses not only building muscle mass, but enhancing conditioning and complete fitness as well as improving strength. Most importantly, you've got to know your body and know your limits if you're searching for that perfect exercise regimen.

Begin your body building workout plan with your end result in mind. One great technique for enhancing your exercise is to first visualize your desired results before you even start a routine. A successful body building workout is as dependent on the mind as it is the muscle, and putting yourself in the right mindset can be critical to your long-term success. Like a painter visualizes his painting before he applies the brush to the canvas, you should visualize your results before your get started.

Consistency is probably the number one single most important factor in determining the success or failure of a complete muscle building program. Plan your exercise schedule in such a way that you limit the chance that your routine will get sidetracked or interrupted, or that you'll end up missing workout days due to factors outside the gym. Stay focused and stay consistent about your days, times, and amount of work that you do.

Many body builders settle on a workout plan that provides for training 4 or 5 times per week. This allows you the opportunity to train on a schedule that provides for maximum gains, but still allows for sufficient rest and recovery. While you may be enthusiastic about your body building workout and want to develop a real "gym rat" approach, you first must understand that over-working your body won't lead to bigger gains. In fact, too much work and too little recovery time often leads to setbacks rather than progress.

Once you get to the gym and launch your body building workout, you may want to consider some simple guidelines for success. Plan on starting each session with some stretching and cardio exercises to increase your heart rate, but make sure you target your heart healthy zone. Don't overtax yourself or overdo your cardiovascular work before you begin your muscle building exercises.

After you've worked in some cardio and done a little stretching, expect to spend about 30-45 minutes per session on your core routine. Injury can result from overwork, so take care not to exceed your limits. Build a workout around three individual sets, with no more than a dozen or so reps per set. A solid exercise plan pushes your muscles to the limit of fatigue without crossing the line into injury. And make certain that you allow yourself about two minutes of rest between sets in order for your muscles to recover.

As always, before you embark on a body building workout schedule, consult your doctor or trainer.