It is possible to get the tight toned abdominal muscles that you want. It does take a healthy diet and proper exercise but after consistent effort, you can achieve this.
There might be many types of physical activities that can work these muscles but there are a few that might have been forgotten about that can have tremendous results.
1. The Baseball Swing
The baseball swing isn’t just for the athlete. This action has the ability to tone the abdominal muscles when this is done correctly. Exercise tubing is required for this. You need to have your feet a shoulder width apart to start. Place the tubing under your feet. Grab the handles of the tube in the palms of your hands and cross the item over in front. This will create an ‘x’ on the front of your torso, which creates more tension. Bend your elbows and start to swing as you would while playing baseball. This should be repeated in both directions to evenly tone your abs.
2. The Mountain Climber
Another exercise known as the mountain climber, works your core and your cardiovascular system. You start this exercise as though you were doing a push up. With your hands still on the floor, walk your feet to meet your hands and back down to the starting position. Always keep your hands in the same position.
3. The Plank
The plank is similar to a push up and also works well for the ab muscles. You start out in the same position as the push up with your hands on the floor at a shoulder width apart and your toes touching the floor. You remain in this position like a plank of wood for as long as possible. To make this activity more difficult, simply hold the position for longer or add some leg movements.
4. Cycling
Cycling is beneficial as well but you don’t need any equipment for this one. You simply lie on the ground on your back. Bring your knees up to a 45 degree angle as if you were on a bike. Carefully bring your arms up and place your hands on your head. Start to cycle as if on the piece of equipment. Set your own pace and ramp up the difficulty as you progress.
5. Crunches
Crunches are often completed in various forms and they shouldn’t be underestimated. These often have better results if you complete the crunches on a stability ball. This is because you are making your stomach put in more effort just to keep your balance. While completing this form of physical activity, place your feet at a shoulder width apart. Put your hands on the back of your head while leaning back on the ball. Use caution so that you don’t pull any neck muscles. Contract your abdominal muscles and lift your shoulders.
Any of these exercises can really help you to tone your abdominal muscles. This toning can improve endurance and overall strength in your body. While these exercises may be improved by using certain pieces of equipment, you don’t have to purchase your own. You can often find these items at your local gym. By visiting the gym on a regular basis to exercise, you can get into the shape that you want. Please note that it doesn’t only take exercise to get into shape. A healthy diet is an important component of this process.
Brenda Panin is a passionate blogger and a contributor to several health blogs. She is currently a web content writer for Coops. In her free time she loves to blog about health and fitness.
