Stomach Tightening Exercises

With our fast-paced lifestyle, we pay very little attention to what we eat. As if that wasn't bad enough, we also tend to forget to exercise. This habit of ours becomes a nightmare, when you try to put on your old pair of jeans and then you realize that it just doesn't seem to fit! You look at yourself in the mirror to see a repulsive image looking back at you, which is very much, not like you. Better late than never! To bring you back in shape, you will have to lose weight, tighten the muscles around the stomach and get rid of those not-so-desirable love handles. Having challenged yourself to become what you were before isn't enough. You need to work upon it. If you have managed to lose considerable amount of weight, by following a diet plan or exercises, mind you, that's not enough. You also need to look at toning your body for that chiseled look. Many people desire for a toned body which oozes out loads of sex appeal. A well-sculptured body is always a work of art and is desired by one and all. Stand tall with oodles of confidence, by acquiring that flat stomach you have always wanted. Try these exercises for a well-defined shape of your body.

There are certain things you need to consider before beginning your abdominal exercises. Understand that it takes a lot of commitment and determination to go all the way to see the results. No matter how charged or motivated you are to burn that extra flab around the stomach, your beginning should be slow and the pace should increase as your body gets comfortable. Stomach tightening exercises are recommended to be done on alternate days. This gives ample rest to the stomach muscles to repair themselves, to become lean and toned. Start on a positive note and half your battle is won.

Russian Twist: Sit with your back straight. Keep your hands straight in front of you and lean back at an angle of 45 degree. Keep your lower body still, and then twist your upper body slowly from left to right for three sets of 8 to 15 repetitions.

Bicycle maneuver: Lie down on the floor flat with your lower back firmly pressed against the ground. Let your hands rest behind your head and lift your knees to a 45-degree angle. Slowly, move your legs as though you are cycling. With your right knee, touch your left elbow and similarly your left knee to your right elbow. Your breathing should be smooth throughout the exercise.

Pelvic Tilts: Lie down on the ground and make sure that your back is firmly pressed against the floor. Firmly keep your feet on the ground as you bend your knees. Lift your pelvis up and hold it briefly and then slowly lower it back to the ground.

Leg lifts: Lie flat on your back. Place your hands on either side of you. Slowly raise your legs into the air with your knees bent and your feet together. Then, slowly bring down your legs making sure that they do not touch the ground. Please note, the closer to the ground they get, the more challenging it is for your stomach. Do three sets of 8 to 15 repetitions.

The No-Crunch Crunch: Lie on the floor and bent your knees. The feet should be kept firmly on the floor. Slowly place your hands just below and to the sides of your belly button. Place two fingers from each hand on the lower abdomen and press firmly. Gently draw your lower abdomen down towards the floor. If you do not get the movement right, try to imagine a string pulling your navel towards the floor. While doing this exercise do not move your pelvis, raise your chest or hold your breath. When you will feel the muscle getting tight, stop. The muscles will tighten underneath your fingers. Stay in this position for 10 to 15 seconds and breath normally all the time. Perform this exercise 10 times.

Bent-leg Curl-ups: Lie on your back, and keep your lower back firmly against the floor. Your feet should be flat on the floor, and then bend your knees. Keep your hands on the top of your thighs, and gently raise your upper body as far and as comfortably as possible until you feel the burn. Increase the number of bent-leg curl-ups, gradually.

Staying fit is not difficult at all. All you need to have is patience and enthusiasm to push yourself to the limit. Getting into your old pair of jeans won't be a problem anymore. Save yourself from the agony of a flabby belly and perform these exercises. Rest assured, you will be on your way to a super-fab body.