Transverse Abdominal Exercises

As you may be aware, a combination of diet and exercise together leads to healthy weight loss and muscle building. You must also know that there are hundreds of variety of diet plans available that help in the same. At the same time, there are also different kinds of exercises which help in toning specific muscles and also increasing the overall strength of the body. So, if you are looking for an exercise to tone your abs and also help in losing weight, then you can try transverse abdominal exercises. Here are some of the best ab exercises to perform at home.

Transverse Abdominal Muscle Exercises

As the name suggest, these exercises concentrate on the transverse abdominus muscle which is a deep set abdominal muscle. It is considered as one of the most important muscles in the body because it provides core stability to the body. Following these exercises helps in having well-developed and flat stomach muscles.

Exercise # 1
You should get down on your fours (hands and knees) and have your back straight. Try to keep the abs squeezed in tight. Now, kick back like a horse with your left leg. the leg should be as straight in line as possible, with the spine. Now try to raise your right arm and also try to place it in the straight line of your shoulder. All the while doing this, you should maintain a straight back and spine. Hold on for a couple of seconds and slowly get back to the original position. You can repeat this exercise for abs with the right leg and left arm.

Exercise # 2
This is also one of the best ab workout. For this exercise, you need to lie on your sides. Rest your body on left or right elbow with legs together, and chest lifted off the ground. Now slowly try to lift up your hips and thighs. The elbow and the feet should remain fixed. Try to lift as much as possible. You can place the other hand on the stomach for support. Hold on for a couple of seconds and slowly retain the original position.

Exercise # 3
This exercise is known as the plank exercise and is one of the most popular abdominal exercises for men and women. You should start by lying parallel to the floor; with your body resting on your elbows and toes. The elbows should be exactly below the shoulders and the back should be straight. Now slowly try to lift your body off the ground, with the back and legs straight. Hold on for 30-40 seconds in the position. Slowly regain the original position.

Exercise # 4
Now, this is a tough one, to do only when you are well past doing the above mentioned ones. In order to perform this exercise, you need to get into the push up position. i.e, you should lie on the ground, with your feet and body elevated and resting on your palms, facing the ground. Now raise your left or right leg and try doing your regular push up. This exercise requires a lot of strength. You can perform as many push ups as comfortably possible, in this position.

If you have noticed, you will find that the basic concept of these exercises is the same, a straight back and strengthening the abs. Initially you can consult a trainer to get to know the right technique and position. Once you master that, you can perform these exercises at home, to get flat and toned abs and stomach. Good luck!