*Want Great Abs?

Are you performing situps as an abdominal exercise then now is the time to stop...???

The situp is not really an abdominal exercise...!!

The situp uses the iliopsoas muscle, one of the muscles used to lift the knee upwards. It originates at the lower back and inserts into the thigh bone. The situp therefore pulls on the lower back and even more so when the feet are anchored under some object like a bench. So performing loads of situps can result in lower back pain..

To work the abdominals effectively try these three exercises.



First, perform bench crunches to strengthen your upper abdominal muscles. Lie on the floor with your feet on a bench and your legs bent at a 90-degree angle. Place your hands at your temples. Raise your head and shoulders until your body is at a 45-degree angle with the floor. Return to the starting position.

Avoid pulling on your head during this exercise because you could strain your neck. Also, exhale when contracting and keep the tempo of the movement slow in order to maintain proper form.



Seated leg tucks are great for developing the lower abs. Sit sideways on a bench and grasp the edges of the bench for support. With bent knees, raise your legs slightly, and then straighten them. A good way to ensure proper balance is to lean back when needed.

Next, lift your knees toward your chest while keeping your lower legs pointed downward, and flex your abs as hard as you can. For better results, keep the tension in your abdominal muscles throughout the entire movement.



The third movement will work your oblique muscles, which are on the sides of your body. Side-to-side rope crunches are great because the weight can be adjusted to each individual's strength level. Use a tricep pushdown cable and comfortably kneel facing the machine with both cables in your hands.

The cables should now be on each side of you above your head. Alternatively crunch down the weight to each knee. The contraction should be controlled and performed slowly to maintain good form and maximise the work on the obliques.

Perform 3-4 sets on each, 10-20 reps to start with..

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