The Firm Stomach Workout

When beginning an abdominal workout routine, for most people who ask the question of how to get six packs - the goal is simple: getting a flatter stomach fast. While a fit stomach looks great, it’s less of an accomplishment if your belly muscles haven’t got stronger. In addition to slimming down around the outer abdominals, it is also important to build strength in the core abdominals. Below are some stomach exercises that work out the core to build strong muscles throughout the abdomen, and will help you get 6 pack abs in no time.

The Tone Your Torso Workout
Start this abs routine on all fours, knees and hands on the floor. Keep your belly pulled in and lengthen your left arm out in front of you. Keep this arm outstretched as you extend your right leg out behind you. Switch arms and legs, and repeat for an entire set. Take particular care not to let your pelvis sway out of position.

Butt Burner
You will need to lie flat on your back for this routine. Make use of a mat or towel to support your spine. Bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor, and position your arms at your sides. Squeeze your buttocks as you lift your pelvis off the floor. Keep the rest of your body in line. Raise up your pelvis to around 45 degrees, so your torso from your head to your knees makes a straight ramp. Hold this for 3 to 5 seconds before gradually lowering your pelvis to the floor. Repeat for a complete set.

The Crunchless Crunch
This stomach exercise is fairly simple in theory but can be fairly difficult to perform. Essentially, it involves trying to pull the belly button in towards the spine. This can be difficult, as it means using muscles which you may not be used to utilising. To start, either lie on your stomach or kneel. You may like to try both ways, and ascertain which helps you feel the exercise better. Relax your body as much as possible, then try to use only the lower abdominals to move your belly button toward your spine. Hold for ten secs. If this feels good, hold for a little longer. The aim is to hold the contraction until you either can’t feel it, or you feel your other muscles working harder than the transverse abdominus. When you feel this, let out the contraction.

The Scissor Kick
This stomach routine also requires laying down on the floor. Put your hands under your bottom, keeping your back against the floor. Slowly raise up 1 leg to a height of about 10 inches, then gradually lower it back to the floor. As your raise one leg, lower the other. Repeat this motion for an entire set. Maintaining control throughout is important, not allowing momentum to get the better of you. Your torso should stay on the floor throughout the whole move.

These are just a sample of the many strength building abs exercises out there. If you’re hoping to build strength in your midriff, look for exercises that workout your core, particularly the transverse abdominal muscles. Many components of Pilates are good for this as well, and make getting 6 pack abs easy.