Your abdominals (abs) are one of the easiest muscle groups to train anytime. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, a toned midsection is the core foundation of a healthy back, because strong abdominals will help give your torso the stability and support necessary to protect your back from injury.Here are a few key points to remember when doing your abdominals:
1) Do lower-abdominal exercises first.
2) Isolate your abdominal muscles by relaxing your hip flexors. Never anchor your feet underneath an object, as this will promote hip-flexor activity.
3) Ensure proper form and spine alignment by making sure your knees are bent and your feet are flat on the floor (or up).
4) Make sure your lower back always remains in contact with the floor in upper-ab movements.
5) Visualize your abdominal muscles and concentrate on squeezing and holding the contraction at the top of the movement, focusing all your attention on the targeted region.
6) Stretch your abs between sets to avoid cramping.
7) Practice proper breathing. Exhale on the concentric phase of the crunch (rising up) and inhale on the eccentric portion of the crunch (lowering back down).
By Mike Mccauley - Boss - o2Wellness
