BODYSHAPE

All About Abs

WRITER: TRACY DRAPER // PHOTOGRAPHER: FRED LOPEZ

Let’s face it. Most of us truly do not want to go around with our abs on display nor does anyone else really want to see our midsections either! But does that mean we have to just let them go? By all means no! There are many other advantages to having strong abdominal muscles that do not include being on a pin-up poster in someone’s locker.

Healthy Body

A strong core means less low back pain, better posture, and a slimmer look. Muscles not toned in the front of the torso not only make one look as if they are expecting a baby; they force the spine out of normal alignment and wreak havoc on our hips, knees, and ankle joints.

Here are a few easy-to-do exercises that will help you suck it in, tone it up, and feel better about your look.

Second position

Basic Crunch On Stability Ball

1. Sit directly on top of the ball, perform a pelvic tilt, and draw abs in.

2. Roll your hips down the front of the ball to secure it in the small of your back.

3. With abs pulled in and fingertips behind your head, exhale and slowly round your shoulders and middle back as high as you can off the ball. Your spine should be in an open “C” shape the entire time.

4. Inhale and lower. Repeat 15 times for three sets.

TRAINER’S TIPS

• Keep neck relaxed and feel the weight of your head in your fingers.

• Widen your feet if you need a bit of help with balance.

• Do not place too much of your weight on the front of the ball as it can slip out from under you.

Healthy Body

The secret to having rock hard abs is this: there is no secret. Hard work, self-discipline, and healthy eating habits are what is required to get that flat and sexy torso.

MUSCLE GROUPS

TARGETED: abdominis rectus, internal and external obliques, erector spinae

Start position