Exercising at home is a welcome alternative if you don’t have enough time to go to the gym. There are many ways to build your abs at home, even without gym equipment. Some examples include:
The Cycle Ab Workout: One of the most effective home ab workout routines is the bicycle workout. An obvious advantage of this exercise is that it does not require any additional equipment. Because all the major abdominal muscles are used during a bicycle workout, people are able to address the full development of their abdominals.
To start, you will need to lie on the floor on your back. Your hands should be placed near your ears or behind your head. Your legs should be closed and straight. The bicycle sequence begins as you lift one knee (called the right knee) toward your chest, leaving your other leg in its resting position. At the same time, you should rise up with your torso in such a way that you can touch your right knee with your left elbow. Do this for different sides of your body. (i.e. raise your left knee and touch it with your right elbow).
Continue this sequence with your knees and elbows (the movement of your legs will be similar to that of a person riding a bicycle). Do this until you get tired.
vertical crunches (Also known as leg raise): Another ab workout routine that can be done at home is the vertical crunch. Like bicycle workouts, they require no equipment and are effective at building upper ab muscles. This exercise can be done almost anywhere.
To do vertical crunch, you have to lie on your back and at the same time keep your hands straight on the ground behind you. Slowly raise your legs a few feet off the ground. (Advanced users may want to cross their knees).
With your legs in this position, raise your trunk as high as possible using only your abdominal muscles. Lower to the ground and then repeat for a certain number of reps.
For best results in your home abs workout, you should always try and ensure that the bulk of your movement comes from your abdominal muscles. Avoid using your arms or thighs to support your motions. However, you should avoid taking unnecessary stress. Your muscles will take time to develop before you can attempt harder or longer sequences. Until that happens, you must make sure that you do not hurt yourself. If your muscles start to hurt during your exercise routine, it is best to take a break immediately. You should also not forget to stay well hydrated during your workout.
Source by Andy Rammell
