4 Ways To Make Your Ab Workout More Effective, Fun, And Less Boring
Last Updated April 6, 2018 by Elizabeth Ibarra
We all know that an ab workout helps us get more defined abs. But did you know you may be able to get these abs faster and stronger with just a few modifications to your routine?
In this article, I’ll introduce you to 4 methods you can use right away (with the right equipment) to increase the effectiveness of your ab workout and ensure it never gets boring. The key to these methods is increased resistance. Increased resistance rarely, if ever, gets discussed with ab workouts because we are so accustomed to doing crunches, leg raises, and planks, that we assume these are the most effective movments. However, when you add increased resistance in the form of ab sliders/gliders, a pullup bar, a bosu ball, and resistance bands, you are increasing the resistance on you abs and core which forces those muscles to work harder. When they work harder, they’ll respond with greater muscle definition and strength. Think about it…we wouldn’t do squats without a barbell on our shoulders, or dumbbells in our hands. We wouldn’t do curls or tricep extensions without dumbbells. So why should abs be any different? With just a few modifications to your routine, you can add both increased definition and variety to any ab workout. |
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Ab Sliders/Gliders Take Your Plank Routine To Another Level
One of our favorite ways to add variety and resistance to an ab workout is to use core sliders. Also known as core gliders, these simple circular pieces of foam and plastic are relatively new to the fitness world, yet are here for the long run due to their ability to transform a normal plank workout to anther level.
One of the most common core/ab/cardio movements is mountain climbers. While in a plank position, you bring one knee up towards your chest, then back down with your other foot. Repeat rapidly for several reps or several seconds, and you have a great lower ab and cardio exercise.
One of our favorite ways to add variety and resistance to an ab workout is to use core sliders. Also known as core gliders, these simple circular pieces of foam and plastic are relatively new to the fitness world, yet are here for the long run due to their ability to transform a normal plank workout to anther level.
One of the most common core/ab/cardio movements is mountain climbers. While in a plank position, you bring one knee up towards your chest, then back down with your other foot. Repeat rapidly for several reps or several seconds, and you have a great lower ab and cardio exercise.
I was skeptical of the core ab sliders at first and thought is was a fitness gimmick. However, they make any plank movement much more intense. Mountain climbers with ab sliders is a lower ab killer sure to bring the intensity like you’ve never felt before. Use these gliders with any plank routine, and you’ll definitely be sore the next day.
I was skeptical of the core ab sliders at first and thought is was a fitness gimmick. However, they make any plank movement much more intense. Mountain climbers with ab sliders is a lower ab killer sure to bring the intensity like you’ve never felt before. Use these gliders with any plank routine, and you’ll definitely be sore the next day.
Get A Rock Solid Core With A Bosu Ball
I recently was looking for some challenging new core movements and stumbled upon a couple exercises that use a full size exercise ball.
Wow!
These were the hardest core/ab exercises I’ve ever done, yet also probably the most effective. It made me realize how much more core work I actually needed before I could accomplish these movements without falling off the ball and hurting myself.
Fortunately the bosu ball let me take baby steps toward that goal. The bosu ball is simply half an exercise ball. Its another great way to strengthen then core and abs using an unconventional and fun piece of equipment. And the best thing is you can get the benefits of stabilizing and strengthening your core without the fear of using a full size exercise ball.
These are the best resources I could find, offering some great exercises using the bosu ball for abs. But, keep in mind, this awesome piece of equipment can also be used for exercises that don’t just work the core.
Exercise Bands Are Not Just For The Butt
Another great way to add intensity and resistance to an ab workout is to use resistance bands. Now, there are a few different types of resistance bands, so lets go over your choices.
First, there’s the resistance band with handles. Most often used for resistance exercises that target the arms, shoulders, back, and legs, they can also be used for ab workouts too.
Second, there are resistance bands that resemble large, flat, and thick rubber bands. People often refer to these bands as booty bands or resistance bands for legs and the butt because they are frequently used to target those areas. But, they can be used for abs too.
Finally, there are the “flat” resistance bands. These resemble long, flat, and thin rubber bands that are often tied together in a knot to create a loop. These have some advantages over the other bands, and can often be used interchangeably with the other bands so well categorize these together with the large, flat bands. Confusing, I know.
Here’s one of my favorites with the resistance bands with handles. First, is bicycles, or alternating leg crunches while your feet are in the handles. My description may not be the best, so check out this video…
While doing this exercise you have to focus on YOU controlling the bands, not the bands controlling you. Its easy to let the bands dictate the movement, but when you control the bands you’ll get a great burn with this movment.
But, as great as that movement is, there is another exercise, using the flat and thick resistance band loops that is even better.
This exercise is mountain climbers with the resistance loop. Doing mountain climbers with a strong resistance loop around your feet engages all your ab and core muscles in a new and unique way. You’ll feel your abs and hip flexors like you’ve never felt before. And due to the increased resistance, you’ll not only feel it in your abs, but your stabilizing muscles like your shoulders, butt, and even chest.
Mountain Climbers With A Band Is A Great Ab Modifier
Add A Pull-Up Bar To Your Ab Routine And Take Your Abs To Another Level
Using a pull-up bar to do ab exercises is the ultimate in increased resistance. You’re using gravity to not only enhance resistance on your abs, but you’re strengthening your arms, shoulders, back, and core in the process.
There’s such a variety of exercises available, but two of my favorites are hanging leg raises. I’ll alternate between single leg raises and dual leg raises.
The best thing about using a pull up bar for abs is there are a many different variations of leg raises and vertical crunches you can do, and if you want to modify these movements, simply add a pull up between each rep. And although using the pull up bar for abs may seem limited to those with great upper body strength, there’s accessories available that allow anyone to enjoy the benefits of these exercises.
So whether you are just beginning a fitness routine and are looking for some unique ab workouts, or if you’ve been doing the same stale ab routine for awhile, give these ab enhancements a try. They’re sure to take your abs to new heights, especially the pull up bar….ok, bad joke.
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