Upper Ab Exercises

One of the most common areas that people focus on when doing abdominal training is the upper abdominal muscles.

There are a number of different exercises that you can do if you’d like to strengthen and tone your abs. After doing upper abdominal exercise for just a little while, you’ll probably experience a visible change in your appearance, and feel stronger, too.

Of course, everyone’s body is different, so your experience won’t be exactly like that of anyone else. If you’d like to try strengthening these important muscles, give the basics of upper abdominal exercise a try. Here’s a few notable options to get you started.

Swiss Ball Crunch – This exercise is great if you’d like to get that perfect six pack. You start by sitting on the Swiss ball, feet about shoulder width apart.

Move your right foot, following it with your left, and lean back so that your hips and shoulders touch the Swiss Ball. Place your hands at the back of your head, then contract your abdomen.

You can do this just by curling your shoulders in the direction of your hips. Hold this pose for two counts before exhaling. Then, hold the contraction again at the top for two more counts before you return to your original position.

Situp – this is a familiar exercise recommended for beginners. You don’t need any special equipment to perform this upper abdominal exercise.

In fact, you can do a situp in many of the same steps as an ordinary crunch. You don’t have to start out with a full version of the exercise, though. Pick where you place your arms and hands depending on your abdominal strength.

The closer your hands are to your head, the harder your situp will be to perform. If you’re just getting started, do these exercises with your hands at your side. You can also cross your arms behind your head, or over your chest.

Then, sit up to at least a forty five degree angle. You may feel some pulling in your hip flexors, but there’s no contraction in these muscles.

Curls – These start out by lying flat on your back on a hard surface like the floor. This upper abdominal exercise is a great way to get well shaped, tone abdominal muscles. Bend your legs slightly when you lie down, with your feet together.

Put your hands at your sides, and slide them near the ground, in the direction of your feet. This lifts your torso, so slide as far as you can.

You’ll feel your upper abdominal muscles contract. Try to hold the contraction for at least two seconds, even if it is mildly uncomfortable. If you can’t hold it that long, work your way up.

These upper abdominal exercises are taught in a number of locations, including fitness programs and classes run by experts. You can also try them at home, if you don’t care to go to the gym.

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