Ab Exercises; Home Workout Routine & More!
Wednesday February 9, 2011


I can't even begin to tell you how many times over the years I have been asked about what exercises a person should do to get a flat stomach or how many crunches they have to do to get flat abs and every variation of that question!
Yes, it is important to work our core & abs BUT unless you eat right & burn off the fat OVER that stomach, you are never going to see them - plain & simple truth - reality check! ![]()
Anyway, want to share this great SHORT video from American Council on Exercise (ACE) on The Truth about Abs. Great information & some exercises too. Me, I really do a mix of all kinds of things just because my abs really like the mix up & even if it is not a plank or even if it is a roll out or a weighted crunch or a stability ball crunch or a cable rope crunch... I like to keep the variety. Actually my body tells me when it is too used to something.. I LISTEN! ![]()
Also, back in December, I provided a link to an ACE 12 week starter program you could do at home. Well, I now can provide you with the link to the second phase, weeks 5-8! Once again, some wonderful exercises, links & instructions on how to do them AND you can do them at home! Check it out!
And if that is not enough, how about an ACE resistance tubing exercise routine! More at home exercises or on vacation exercises!!!
Got a partner at home? How about trying the V Sit Partner Rotation!!! It works the Lats, Erector Spinae, front and side Deltoids (delts), Rear delts, Transverse Abdominus & Obliques along with the Trapezius (Traps), Rhomboids, Rotator Cuff, Flexors, Extensors, Levator Scapulae.
Have I packed this post with enough links?? You can take these exercises to the gym, on vacation, at home or anywhere you heart desires! Your heart & your body will thank you! ![]()








for me the FLAT part of the abs is allll diet.
The healthy back support part of the abs? the core? far more than that huh?
Reply to this
YUP Carla, it is the food for the flattest on tummies! Although I will say for me, I never got a completely flat stomach except when I was contest ready. I just have that body type that leave a small inner tube even at my best - non contest ready. With age, CRAP, it is just ridiculous!
Reply to this
PS: ah yes, the core!!! FAR MORE!!!
Reply to this
The video was great Jody thanks for sharing so much! I'm adding the ab exercises into my routine, but I also have to reduce the carbs I am eating. Gads those are so good!
Reply to this
I know,,, I like my carbs so I just find a way to fit in things that I really don't want to give up like bread & work out a bit more...
Reply to this
Lots of links, lots of information, and we all need solid information when it comes to abs. I just started taking a 30 minute abs class once a week. My abs are soooo sore the next day, but I'm getting results. One of the best is called "The Turkish Get Up." Have you heard of it?
Reply to this
Hi Karen! I have heard of that move.. uh, no, have not tried it! I know! Maybe one day! Cool on the ab class.. do they work core too?
Reply to this
Funny, I've never thought about having a flat stomach! I work on having a strong abdomen, and with a good diet leading to low body fat levels, I like how it has bumps
Reply to this
Yes, bumps are good!
Reply to this
I am so far away from seeing any ab muscle shine through. But someday it might just happen. Always open to new exercises and you always deliver!
Reply to this
Patrick, I bet you will see those abs one day.. I have no doubt!
Reply to this
YES! Its all about the fat that surrounds the muscles that has to go. Have you ever tried crunches while standing? I have seen a few do this at my gym with a medicine ball.....
Reply to this
Yes, Sian, I have done them & see people doing them PLUS just working your weights & holding proper form will work your whole core as April mentioned in her comment! There are many ways to work the core & abs!
Reply to this
Can't wait to start crunching again in just over two weeks!!
Reply to this
This post brought up something I've been wondering for a while.Since starting to reslly get into weights in my exercising, I've been doing the same workouts for about 4 months now.I keep reading about changing it up so your muscles don't "get used to" what you're doing. The problem is I have no idea what else I could do! I've been adding things as I go for change, but how do you work the same muscles, only differently? Is there a resource for me to look up exercise variations for this?
I'd appreciate any advice you've got!
Thanks!
Reply to this
HI! Yes, I change it up all the time & there are so many different exercises to do. Also, you can change the speed yo do them from slow to faster (proper form), the order, the number of reps & how much weight you use, the attachments for the cable machines, use weight plates instead of dumbbells, machines & free weigths.... so many ways.
Also, check out this site for workouts & videos of how to do the exercises & it breaks it down by body part too! http://www.muscleandstrength.com/
Also, bodybuilding.com has a lot too!
So many sites out there depending on your goals & needs but be sure they are reputable. The Shape, Fitness & Oxygen Women's Fitness magazine online sites have areas for exercises as well!
----------------------------------------
Reply to this
Love how truthful you are! The neat thing is my abs start to show with heavy weights from all the compound moves. Sometimes I get sore the day after benching even!
Reply to this
April, I just commented to Sian about your comment & how just doing weights & using proper form works the abs/core!
Reply to this
ACEis the organization I chose to get certified through!! I am so stoked to have my certification so there will be some credit to the claims I make on my blog
Reply to this
Joob, great organization to pick for your certification! Good luck!
Reply to this