Effective Ab Workouts

We all have our favorite workouts which we practice regularly to give our body a good shape. Exercises which give us fast and effective results become our favorite. Having six-pack abs is a dream for every one of us. But we don't know how to go for it? There are many abdominal exercises that help us to lose that extra belly fat and give us a flat stomach. Effective abdominal exercises aim to shape and strengthen your abdominal muscles and they should be included in your workout. So let's have a look at some effective abdominal exercises.

Most Effective Abdominal Exercises

Bicycle Exercise
Lie on the exercise mat with your lower back pressed to the ground. Place your hands behind your head. Bring knees close to the chest and lift shoulders off the floor without giving any pressure on the neck. Straighten out the left leg, simultaneously turning your upper body towards the right side. Take your left elbow near the right knee. Switch sides, bringing the right elbow near the left knee. Keep changing sides in a pedaling motion for 3 sets of 12 reps.

Broom Twists
Sit in an erect position with legs spread. Hold a broom or stick behind your head on your shoulders. Begin with slow momentum and concentrate on twisting your waist and not your hips and legs. This is one of the most effective ab workouts for women. For increased difficulty use a barbell.

Captain Chair Leg Raise
Stand on a captain chair and hold the grip with your hands to stabilize your upper body. Rest your back in an erect position against the pad and contract your abs by raising your legs and lifting your knees towards your chest. Don't arch the back or swing the legs up. Do 3 sets of 13 reps each.

Exercise Ball Crunches
Sit on the exercise ball with your feet flat on the floor. Lie back on the ball until your thighs and torso are parallel with the floor. Work on your abs by raising your torso to 45°. To exercise your oblique muscles, cut the distance between your feet.

Butterfly Crunch
Lie down on your exercise mat, but with your knees relaxed out to your sides. The soles should be joined together throughout this workout. Perform this exercise as you would have performed a traditional crunch. To make it more effective, move your feet closer towards your glutes.

Aerobics
Aerobics benefits your entire body. It is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get some attractive well toned abs. The jumps, punches and kicks in aerobics target mainly the abdominal muscles giving them a complete workout.

Long Arm Crunch
Lie on your exercise mat and extend your arms straight behind the head with hands buckled. Your arms should be next to the ears. Press the abs and lift your shoulders off the floor. Try to keep your arms straight, lower yourself and repeat 2 sets of 10 reps.

Plank on Toes or Elbows
Lie face down on an exercise mat. Lift yourself up raising up your toes and resting on your elbows. Keep your back straight, in a straight line from head to heels. Tilt your pelvis and contract your stomach to prevent your rear end sagging in middle. Hold for 60 seconds and rest. Repeat this exercise daily 5 times for better results.

So these were some effective ab workouts. Before doing all these exercises, see that you do a good warm-up session. Regular practice of these exercises will surely get you some attractive abs in no time.