Ab Exercises You Can Do in Less Than 30 Minutes

There is one word that comes to mind to most people when the discussion of ab exercises comes up. That word is "crunches". For some people crunches are easy, and for some people crunches are not as easy (like me). It does not matter how "correct" I do my crunches I still end up with sore shoulders, and sometimes a sore neck. Because of this I found myself few different exercises that help me work my abs without hurting my upper back. They each use fitness aides, and one of the exercises is even crunches. But they are, in fact, crunches that do not hurt me. And, they work. I have lost 3 inches off of my waistline in just a couple of months!

As far as crunches go, for an easy cheat that saves your neck some pain and still gives your torso a workout, get yourself an Ab Rocket. You can get one of this pretty little blue resistance machines for less than $100. The back has rollers that make it comfortable for use. It has three different strengths of resistance bands, which I prefer the tighter ones that give you the most resistance for a better work out. This awesome machine comes with a DVD that shows you different exercises you can do with it to work your abs. It also folds up for easy storage. 50 well-done reps takes no more than 20 minutes!

When it comes to trendy machines I always think of the one that remains on my wish list. The Ab Circle Pro seems like a fun, miracle machine. It gives you a kick of cardio with your ab workout and makes it easy to extend your abs in ways that mere crunches can not compete. The Ab Circle Pro can be found for a little less than $200. I am sure it is well worth the investment.

A routine I came up with myself that I like to call the bend and reach, utilizes a 5lb. Medicine ball. Start by holding the medicine ball in both hands. Squat and reach with the ball to the floor. Stand straight again and then reach with the ball to the ceiling. Repeat this move for no less than a count of 50, both squatting and raising. This will about 20 to 25 minutes. It works the arms, abs and legs! A great over-all body exercise. And it also teaches balance.

Last, but not least, and my quickest ab workout, I like to call the twist. With a weight of your choice in each hand you will make punching moves while twisting your waist one way, then the other. In sense, you will be reaching your left arm to the right side of your body while twisting your body to the right, then the opposite. Stand with your legs should width apart and keep your stomach muscles tightened, for best results. I like yo do this to a count of 100, for each side (so 200 total count), which only takes about 5 minutes and is not only a great workout for your abs, but it is a killer workout for your arms too, especially as you move up to heavier weights.

Source:

Fitness Professional's Handbook. Howley, E. and Franks, B.D.