what are some good exercises for the lower abdomen (belly button and below) and the groin?
what are some good exercises for the lower abdomen (belly button and below) and the groin?
MARYJANEKNIGHTLY![]()
Man- I should be a personal trainer!I could give you a 30 minute speech on this!!! Really- if you want to target those muscles directly (think six pack abs) lay on your back and raise your legs (straight) just off the floor. Then make alphabet letters raising your legs up to 45 degrees off the ground and moving them from left to right.
But if you want to flatten your tummy (more feminine in MO you need to do exercises that incorporate core muscle groups, like balance activities. Lots of specific movements if you search that term on the internet or read Shape magazine. (I like Shape a lot better than Fitness for some reason.)
-Balancing on one foot as you lift weights
-Exercises on those giant exercise balls
-Pilates (you could sign up for a class or maybe get a DVD)
- or my personal exercise of choice, swimming laps.
Also, if you do cardio on a machine don't lean on the handrails. Holding on for balance-ok, but don't lean.
All good ideas but that ab exercise puts a LOT of strain on your lower back.
If you belong to a good gym use the Leg Raise Machine. It's where you stand with
your arms resting on pads and you can lift your legs while supporting your lower back. Try to them while EXTENDING your legs out. if you can't then just raise your knees ; lower & repeat.
Sit on a bench with legs extended and pull in your knees and then extend.
Use the Stting Ab machine and avoid the most common mistake- pulling down on the handles. Instead you should keep your elbows squarely on the pads and use your abs to pull your nose down to your knees while keeping your head back against the pad.
Sit on the floor with your legs flat on the ground. Extend your arms straight out
and lean back to a 45 degree angle and hold as long as you can.
Last edited by Eric Stoner; 07-25-2007 at 12:51 PM.
I suggest the exercise ball so you can extend beyond 180 degrees. It works for me. I always get compliments on my abs.
Lie down on the floor, hold your neck up and put your hands around your chest or under your buttocks like you are going to do a crunch. Now, left your legs up to a 90 degree angle then down, repeat 20 times.





^That's the exercise that I do for my lower abs, except I'll lie my head all the way down on the floor so I don't strain my neck. Also...I'll add a little extra weight by wearing my stripper shoes when I work them.![]()
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