Top 10 Proven Ab Killers of All Time
These ten exercises burn calories and are highly effective at building and toning your abdominal muscles to improve your posture, stabilize your spine, strengthen your core and, of course, scuplt that six-pack to perfection.
Here is a closer look at the top 10 proven ab killers of all time.
1. Planking
As awkward as many say it looks, planking is one of the best exercises for strengthening your core and giving you a tight, flat belly. Planking works the transverse abdominus, which is the deepest layer of abdominal muscles that forms a horizontal belt around your midsection.
Working the transverse abdominus won’t result in a classic six-pack, but beefing it up will suck in your midsection like a corset and improve your posture and core strength.
And when you do get your six-pack, a strong transverse abdominus will compress the six-pack area and make it look tight and natural instead of loose and bulging.
To perform a classic plank, lie on the floor in a pushup position, supporting your lower body with your toes, and prop yourself up with your forearms so that your upper arms are perpendicular to the floor, your palms are facing down and your elbows are directly below your shoulders.
Your head, spine and neck should be in a straight line. Tilt your pelvis toward the floor and breathe slowly. Hold this position as long as you can, then rest a moment and repeat three to five times.
Variations on the classic plank can make for a harder, but more effective, workout. Try lifting one leg, and hold it high for as long as you can, then repeat with the other leg.
To perform a side plank, which also works your obliques, lie on your side and support your weight with one forearm. Your feet, knees and thighs should be stacked up neatly. Hold this position for as long as possible, and switch sides. Do three to five reps three to five times a week for best results.
