|
|
Captain's chair
This was one of the few on the "most effective" list that involves gym equipment. Start with legs dangling and slowly lift your knees in toward your chest. The motion should be con
trolled and deliberate as you bring your knees up and return them back to the starting position.
|
The Firm: 5-Day Abs
Okay, so this video is pretty dated..it still offers some great workouts. It consists of five different ab workouts that include unusual exercises (not just crunches!) to reduce
boredom and increase abdominal strength. The workouts are quick--just a few minutes long--and really hit your abs from every direction possible. The instructors and the music are a little cheezy, but
you'll forget about that once you're into the workout.
|
Remember Tamilee Webb? She's known for those great Abs of Steel tapes from back in the day. This new series includes a fifteen minute beginner's exercise and a series of advanced exercises for those w
ho need some new ideas for their ab workouts.
|
|
|
|
BOSU
This doesn't look like a traditional ab thingamajig and it's not. The BOSU (short for 'Both Sides Up) had a flexible dome on top and a flat platform underneath that allows you to stand, jump,
squat, twist and bounce to challenge your stability. Your abs and back are greatly involved in balance and stabilization, so the BOSU is a great tool for working your core without so much as doing on
e boring crunch. A great way to work your abs!
|
Cap Abdominal Wheel
This little wheel looks harmless enough, but it's a great way to work your abs if you're very careful. You simply place your hands on either side and roll it forward as far as y
ou comfortably can and roll back to starting position. You shouldn't roll very far forward as that can tweak your back. Note: this is a very advanced exercise!
|
Foam Roller
Yes, this is a foam roller. It looks weird, but it actually makes your workouts a little more interesting by incorporating those all-important stabilizer muscles. Lie on it to do crunch
es and you'll see what I mean. It's cheap, it's versatile and, in a pinch, it can be used to bonk annoying people on the head without hurting them.
|
|
