Simple abdominal exercises to help trim your abs

Here are simple abdominal exercises that can help you if you cannot do those vigorous ab workouts, there are different articles with catchy topics like "secrets to perfect abs or six packs in one week".

There is no secret to it other than hard work and commitment. If you were expecting the name of a pill of some magic formula, sorry to disappoint you. The abdominal exercises listed here are simple only if you are committed and dedicated. They are proven methods that, do not require drugs or machines. Please read on

Leg raise This is a simple abdominal exercise which helps to tone or build the lower part of the abdomen.

On getting up you can choose to either use your forehead to make light contact with both knees or use the elbows assuming both hands and behind your head with fingers crossing each other. This is a good way to build the stomach muscles although, it could be very challenging and believe me, there are simpler ab workouts.

Now back to my point, the regular sit-ups builds the upper abdominal muscles but, the lower abdominal muscles are not fully engaged and for ladies, majority of us are challenges more in the lower part than the upper part which is where the 'leg raise' comes to play.

Leg raise can be done by lying flat on your back to the ground. It could be useful to get someone to stand with both their legs together so that, you can hold their ankles from that position.

This can be repeated until you achieve 10 counts and rest for 30 seconds then repeat the exercise, it is advisable to do at least 3 reps (although, the more you put in the better and faster your result will be).

Another easy way to develop your stomach muscles even while watching your favourite TV program is by sitting on a chair or table that is high enough to allow your feet to rest flat on the floor then put both hands behind your head with fingers crossing each other to keep them securely in place then with both legs together and hands securely behind your head, lift your knees high to the highest point you feel comfortable, assuming a 45 degree angulation of your body. With your toes pointing downwards as you raise your knees, return your legs to the ground allowing the tip of your toes to barely touch the ground.

Repeat this movement continuously for 10 counts then take a 30 seconds break (don't forget to breath in and out) repeat the same movement (another set of 10 counts) you should be able to manage 5 reps with 30 seconds between each rep but if not settle for 3 reps. If you eat a lot of fatty foods, you might want to increase your counts and the reps but, remember, that this must be increased gradually to allow your body to get used to it.

Note: If you have not been exercising, it is normal for you to feel some cramp around your stomach from the evening of the second day and this usually last for about 3 days and while you are feeling the cramps, you should continue doing your exercise because, it is not a good time to stop. Such cramps as a result of abdominal exercises is just a way that the particular set of muscles show that they have been stretched beyond the normal day to day routine and will therefore build themselves up to be able to withstand future strain.

Remember, all you need to make this work is commitment and dedication and you will have a perfect reward without the rigorous ab workouts or endless sets of strenuous abdominal exercises.

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