Five Lower Abdominal Exercises

Who doesn't want nice, firm abs? The lower abdominals are the most neglected of all the muscle groups. Here are a few lower abdominal exercises to tone and strengthen the stomach muscles. These lower abdominal exercises are done on the floor so you will need a mat, towel or pillow. If you have certain health conditions, consult a doctor before dong these lower abdominal exercises. Do not forget to warm up by doing some stretches to prevent injuries.

Crunchless Crunch

This lower abdominal exercise is simple but effective. Most anyone can do this exercise and it will not strain your neck muscles like traditional crunches. It is good to do when you run short on time. Lie or kneel on the floor. You can also remain seated. Try to push the belly button in toward the spine and use the lower abdominals more. Hold for ten seconds and release. The aim is to hold the contraction until you feel the muscles working. If ten seconds seems too easy, add more time.

Alternate Toe Touch

For this exercise, you will need a flat surface. The best surface is the floor with a towel or mat underneath you. Supporting your spine, lift the legs up. Using the lower abs, lift your right shoulder of the floor and extend your right arm. Touch your left toe with your right arm. Repeat on the other side and touch your right toe with left arm. Maintain the space between the floor and spine. Repeat ten times one each side.

Sit-up Hold

This lower abdominal exercise is done on the floor. Lie on your back and bend you knees so the feet are flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head and keep elbows bent. Use the lower stomach muscles and lift shoulders off the floor. Hold for ten seconds.

Lower Back Flatten

Lower back flatten exercise is good to do after the sit-up hold since both exercises starts in the same
position. A natural space is created between the lower back and the curve of the spine. Using your lower abdominals, push your back to the floor and eliminate the space. Remember to let your stomach do the work. Do not push with the legs. Hold for ten seconds and release. The pelvis may rotate some, which is fine as long as your stomach does the work.

Scissor Kicks

Lie on the floor and place your hands under the lower back and legs stretched. Keep your back pressed against the floor. Slowly raise one leg around ten inches, and then slowly lower it back to the floor. As you lower one leg, lift the other one off the floor. Do not lift the upper body. Repeat several times with each leg.

These are some of the best lower abdominal exercises. Spot toning alone will not reduce belly fat. You also have to eat right and do aerobics to achieve better results. Do not worry if you cannot do many repetitions. It takes time to build endurance.