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Sometimes it is easy to buy into the false idea that some people are naturally designed to have flabby abs regardless of how many crunches they do. However, it is time to dispel this disbelief. The main purpose behind flabby abs is inconsistent, ineffective, or improperly performed exercises. The abdominal muscles stretch from the rib area down to the pelvis and around the sides of the body. Performing crunches alone is not going to effectively strengthen the entire range of muscles. Adjusting your ab routine to include exercises that hit all the abdominal muscle regions will set you on the path to toned abs and a sleek physique.

Crunches are the usual exercise used for flattening the upper abs. With the feet on the floor and the knees bent, use your abdominal muscles to raise your shoulders slightly off the floor while keeping your face looking toward the ceiling. If you want even better results, put some weight on the pectoral region. For a little extra punch try positioning your feet straight up in the air, crunching, and reaching for your feet. You can also draw your knees into your chest and contract your ab muscles to lift your butt and your shoulders at the same time. Further challenge yourself by resting your legs on a chair and crunching up toward your feet.

A pull up bar can make exercising your lower abs a whole lot more efficient. Jump up and hang on the pull up bar with your legs off of the ground. Lift your knees up as high as you can. If possible, try bringing them up close to your chest. This exercise is great because it does a good job of working all of your muscle groups.

Do not worry if you do not have access to a pull up bar. Instead, try reverse crunches for your lower abs. Simply lift your feet up in the air and use your entire abdominal region to lift your lower body off of the ground.

You should also think of your obliques when working on six-pack abs. The obliques or side muscles are best exercised by doing several different workouts. One great exercise, the side plank, is performed by lying on your side, resting your upper body on your forearm and elbow. Rest your lower body on the side of your feet and hip. Keep yourself steady as you gradually draw up your hips to the point where your body is straight. Hold this position for a short time, increasing the hold as you become stronger. You can either use this as an isometric exercise, or you can come back down to the ground and repeat for several reps. A combination is most effective, holding the final plank for as long as possible before slowly returning to the start position. Side crunches are another good exercise for your side muscles. Lie on your side and bring your elbow and shoulder toward your hip. In side exercises be mindful that you give equal attention to both the sides.

To prevent in jury, ensure that you contract your muscles slowly. Take your time as you return to the base position after each contraction. Don't rush or crash to the floor. You should try to stay in the contracted position for about two or three seconds prior to lowering yourself.

The way you do these ab exercises is extremely important if you want your six-pack abs without strains and other injuries. If you do the exercises properly, you will get better results and you won't get hurt. Proper exercise protocol will keep you on the right path. One excellent pointer to remember is to never pull on your head while doing crunches. If you are performing lower ab exercises, you should consider placing your hands beneath you. This will provide support for your lower back, reducing the chances of your straining it. You can exercise your abs every day; however, you should also rest one day out of every week.

In the end, abdominal exercises are one of the most effective ways of improving the tone and look of your midsection as well as strengthening your inner core. If you follow your exercise routine carefully and diligently, you will begin to see the results within a few weeks.