ABSolutely Fit

Do you want great abs but can’t seem to get the definition that you desire? I’ve got a few suggestions for some tried-and-true moves to get you ABSolutely fit and fabulous.

Let’s face it—a toned and trim mid-section is an eye-catching sight. Beautiful to behold—it’s the sign of a truly fit body. But, those hard abs are more than aesthetics alone. Developing a six-pack will help to strengthen your back and legs.

To get good abs, you have got to develop your core muscles. Your core is the center of your strength. So, just where is your core? The major core muscles are found in the belly and mid and lower back.

Whether playing a game of tennis, simply reaching across a table to clear the dishes, stretching to reach the upper shelf of a bookcase, or bending down to pick up a child, you utilize very small muscles in the body to keep yourself steady. Even the act of walking relies on core muscle strength to stay upright. Certainly the large muscles of the legs are working hard to propel your body forward, however the large muscles would not be able to perform their function if not for those small muscles found throughout your torso, between your shoulders and your hips.

To engage your core, imagine that you are pushing your belly button towards your back. Not merely sucking in your gut, engaging the core wakes up all the abdominal muscles and prepares them for battle.

The following exercises will work your core muscles to make them stronger and more defined. Keep your core engaged throughout these exercises to develop deep ab muscles, shrink your waist and improve your posture.

Abdominal Crunch
Lying on your back (supine) on a mat, bend your knees and place your feet hips width apart. Place your fingertips behind your ears, and keep the lower part of your back pressing downward into the mat, your shoulder blades reaching down your back, your navel drawn inward towards the spine and keep your chin level. Breathe in, then exhale and roll your upper body off the mat keeping your chin tucked towards your chest, inhale and roll your upper body back down on the mat.

Chest Press
Lying on your back (supine) on a mat, bend your knees and place your feet hips width apart. Holding weights in your hands (2 to 5 lb to start), extend your arms straight up above your chest, with your wrists facing away from your body so you can see the backs of your hands. Inhale lower weights to your chest, exhale as you press the weights back up, arms fully extended. Squeeze your chest muscle as you press the weights away from your chest.

Practice engaging your core at all times, when you sit, stand, work and play. In addition to the above exercises, keeping your core engaged will really make a difference in the definition of your abdominal muscles. Be consistent and persistent in your goal. You will get there and you will love the way you look.