Upper Ab Workout
One of the most overlooked parts of the abdomen is the upper abs. Indeed the lower abs gets more focus especially since it is where the six packs are developed. But the upper abs is considered as the strongest area of the abdomen, so working out this part can be very beneficial to those who want firmer, ripper stomachs. Four exercises can be considered for an effective upper ab workout. These include bench sit up, curl, hip lift, and butterfly curl. When performed regularly, these exercises will help in strengthening the trunk of the body.
A bench sit up involves the use of a workout bench, ideally about 4 feet in length and a foot in width. Using weights to hold the feet is also recommended for more resistance and more pressure on the upper abs. To do this upper ab workout, the bench and weights should be perpendicular to each other. Sit on the bench and then put a towel on the barbell to secure it from moving. Both feet should be placed against the bar, while the individual lowers his or her upper body until it is closely parallel to the ground. Exhaling, raise the torso while keeping the pressure on the abdomen. Perform up to 10 times.
The abdominal curl up is one of the most challenging exercises in strengthening the upper abs. But while it can be very exhausting, this upper ab workout can do a lot in terms of firming up that part of the body. A person should lie down and have the knees bent with the arms at the sides. The person then slowly lifts the head and chest, contracting the abs in the process. The hands should be kept at the sides to avoid any support to the upper abs, which should carry much of the workload.
Another recommended exercise in any upper ab workout is the hip lift. This exercise begins with an individual lying and the arms held in the sides and palms facing up. Then the person needs to raise his or her legs slowly, pointing them towards the ceiling while keeping it upright with the torso. The hips should then be lifted several inches from the ground while the navel is slowly closed in to the spine.
The butterfly is also another highly recommended upper ab workout. This begins with a person taking on a crunch position- sitting on the ground and bending the knees and the feet shoulder width apart. The knees are kept on the sides while the heels are kept closely together. The name of the exercise comes from this stance which is similar to a butterfly’s wings. While the legs are bent, the person must crunch for a few seconds before returning to the starting position. This exercise effectively focuses on the upper abs as it negates the movement of the leg muscles.
These are just some of the more effective exercises to be considered in working out the upper abs. Having a good upper ab workout should provide the impetus towards having ripped and sexy abs.
