Having a toned, flat stomach is desired by many people, especially for those people who are trying to get healthier. Despite the marketing of various contraptions for improving abdominal muscles, they are really not necessary and sometimes do not even work. Instead of doing countless sit ups, you can sculpt a perfectly flat stomach with one simple exercise.
Why does this exercise work?
The main reason why this exercise is so beneficial is because it targets all the core muscles at the same time. Instead of just activating the surface muscles which are commonly called the “6 pack”, this exercise targets majorly the transverse abdominous, the anterior deltoids and gluteus Maximus. Studies have shown proven that this exercise improves strength, stability and overall fitness.
They main reason why this exercise flattens the tummy is because it works out the transverse abdominus. This muscle that runs sideways beneath the top layer of abdominal muscles. It is the muscle that is responsible for pulling in and tightening your entire core. Sit-ups alone do not really use the transverse abdominus, but this often ignored muscle is very important for making your stomach flatter and your waist smaller.
How is it done?
For you to gain maximum benefits, it is necessary to ensure that you are in the right position. An improper or wrong position can result in injury to the spine or muscles. The body should be absolutely straight and still throughout the exercise.
1. Begin with your hands and knees on the ground.
2. Make sure that your palms flat unto the floor at roughly a shoulder’s width apart.
3. Make you neck long and raise your head so that your nose is facing the floor and your face is parallel to the ground.
4. Extend your right leg back slowly and rest your weight on your toes. The weight of your body should be entirely on your hands and your toes. Your buttocks should be slightly lower than your shoulders, and your whole body should extend in a single straight line from the top of your head to your heels.
5. Tighten your midsection and slowly breathe in and out throughout the exercise. Hold this position for as long as you can, up to 60 seconds.
6. Slowly lower your knees to the floor and lean back so that you are sitting on your heels, and rest.
Repeat the entire process three times.
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