Abs Workout: Sit-ups

To build a solid foundation in your midsection you need to focus on strengthening your abdominal muscles. There are many muscles that make up your abs, with the rectus abdominis being the biggest muscle.

Nothing works your abs quite like a good ol' sit up or floor crunch, and in this article you will discover how to do it properly for maximum muscle building and strength.

To perform this exercise:

• Begin by lying flat on your back, either on a mat or a carpet.
  
• Position your hands behind your head, ensuring your elbows are pushed outwards so that they do not pull you forward during the exercise.
  
• Bend your knees and ensure that your feet are flat on the floor.
  
• UPWARD MOVEMENT: To begin the move, slowly inhale and lift your back off the ground. Ensure that you do not come up all the way as this puts added pressure on your lower back.
  
• Do not use your arms to bring you upwards; focus on pulling your abdominal and using them to bring your body up off the ground.
  
• Ensure that your elbows are not pointing forward; they should be pointing out to either side as indicated in the photo below.
  
• DOWNWARD MOVEMENT: Exhale and relax your abdominal muscles whilst slowly returning to the starting position.

This movement also works your external obliques (muscles positioned at the sides of your stomach).

TIP: For added intensity place a 5-kilogram weight plate on your stomach whilst performing the movement.

Ending position of a sit-up

Author: Dimi Ingle.
Copyright: Remedium. This article may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Remedium.