Strong, Sexy Abs

Comments (4)
Print

Pages in this Story:

6. Leg Pulse

Target: Works Rectus Abdominis and Transverse Abdominis; Stretches Hamstrings

Lie faceup on the floor with your knees bent and the scarf wrapped around left foot, holding both ends of the scarf in your left hand.
Straighten left leg, gently pulling it close to your head with the scarf for a hamstring stretch.
Lift your head and shoulders slightly off the floor, lifting right leg to meet left.
Slowly lower right leg as far as you can without arching your back.
Repeat, pulsing leg 8 to 10 times.
Switch sides.
Do 2 sets per side.

Q&A: "What's better for flattening my abs, sit-ups or crunches?"

It depends on your fitness level. Full horizontal-to-vertical sit-ups engage more of the abdominals, but they can cause back strain, making them more appropriate for advanced exercisers who already have a firm core. They also tighten the already overworked hip flexors, which can cause additional back pain. Crunches are a safer choice for most of us. "They provide plenty of ab-toning benefits while keeping the back supported," explains Peter Francis, PhD, a professor emeritus at San Diego State University who specializes in exercise biomechanics.

Next: Our Favorite Ab DVDS

What do you think of this story? Leave a Comment.

Related Links

SAVE EVEN MORE! Say "Yes" to Fitness® Magazine today and get a second year for HALF PRICE – 2 full years (20 issues) for just $15. You also get our new Fitness Band and Total Body Express Band Workout ABSOLUTELY FREE! (U.S. orders only)

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip Code:

Email Address:

100% Money-Back Guarantee: You must be pleased, or you may cancel any time during the life of your subscription and receive a refund on any unserved issues – no questions asked. Fitness® Magazine is currently published 10 times annually – subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. E-mail address required to access your account and member benefits online. We will not share your e-mail address with anyone. Click here to view our privacy policy.

What do you think? Review this story! >

robertdickins wrote:

Great post! Being a chubby guy was really bad for me. After a long time of struggle with belly fat and weight problems, I found this one secret that transformed my body in 6 months. Check my full story on 6packstory.com/me

3/19/2013 12:13:38 PM Report Abuse

a3984502 wrote:

Right now I am following the Diet Plan for You blog by nutrition specialist Kate Hill. Kate helped me lose weight in a healthy way in few weeks, without starving! If you want to lose weight, just visit Kate's blog at: http://dietplanforyou.blogspot.com

2/13/2012 08:07:41 AM Report Abuse

Chinchilla wrote:

Jump start your weight loss with Herbalife! Hello, My name is Priscilla Jarrett. And I am an Independent Herbalife Distributor, here to build a weight loss plan for you! There is Also a Weight Loss Challenge you can join, our companys version of "The Biggest Loser". With products that WILL help you lose the weight. If you would like a FREE SAMPLE PACK, please contact me at: priscilla_jarrett727@hotmail.com I will gladly work with you. -Priscilla Jarrett Independent Herbalife Distributor

1/10/2012 07:18:59 PM Report Abuse

Chinchilla wrote:

Are you Interested In losing weight for your new years resolution? I have the solution! Join the Weight Loss Challenge and In 3 months you'll lose the weight GUARANTEED! CONTACT ME FOR MORE DETAILS AND SIGNING UP AT: priscilla_jarrett727@hotmail.com *Weight Loss Challenge winners can earn dollars and a prize for losing pounds! LOSE WEIGHT, GET HEALTHY, LOOK AND FEEL GREAT! -Priscilla Jarrett Herbalife Distributor

12/16/2011 01:12:00 PM Report Abuse