Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Lower Stomach Exercises to Do at Home

By Brian Stratmore

While most people tend to focus on doing crunches, they only work the upper area of the stomach. Working the lower stomach is equally important as the muscles in the area will help us look slimmer.

If you want to see the results of your lower stomach exercises, you need to do one thing: lower your fat percentage levels thanks to a healthy diet and a cardio program you enjoy. Forget about this point, and you'll keep your stomach muscles hidden under a cover of fat.

Also, don't think you can do exercises to lower fat on that specific area. This is called spot toning, and is nothing but a perpetuated myth.

The percentage of fat you store on the lower stomach is determined by your genes. There are people who tend to store more fat in this area that others, that have fat well distributed in all parts of the body.

Well, now let's get to the best lower stomach exercises to work the lower abs:

Reverse Crunches

A reverse crunch is an exercise that targets the lower muscles in your stomach. This exercise must be performed correctly and I recommend doing it on an exercise mat as it helps relieving stress in the lower back.

Lie on your back and lift your legs so they are perpendicular to the floor, with your knees bent a little and legs crossed at the ankles.

Put your arms on your side so they are resting on the floor.

With the shoulders relaxed, rest your head on the ground, keeping your back straight, now lift your hips of the floor, and push them upwards.

Hold the position, and with total control go back to the starting position.

Chair Leg Lifts

This is one of my favorite exercises to perform at the office. Here's how you can perform it.

Sit on a chair with your back flat against its back.

Rest your hands on the desk and slowly lift your legs off the ground. Hold the muscle contraction for eight seconds.

Slowly go back to the initial position.

Repeat as many times as you want, but don't overdo it. It is better if you increase the repetitions gradually. - 15266

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