The Best Lower ABS Workout

Every boy and to be honest, every girl wants an awesome six pack, including those stubborn lower abs! For an all-over defined torso, you need to think of more than just targeting the immediate rectus abdominus (your six pack) when it comes to working the abs. To name a few, you should also be on the lookout for exercises that target the obliques, which run alongside your six pack, as well as the transverse abdominus, which is layered below your internal oblique muscle.

There is more to an abs workout than your average sit-ups. Twisting, rotating, extending and flexing movements all target the abs, and so exercises that hone in on these are sure to bring you the results you’re after.

A well-toned lower belly has that Action Man look about it, with a V-taper line where your rectus abdominis and obliques meet.

Stop Focusing On The Upper Abs

For gym-goers and athletes who regularly do their sit-ups, without targeting other muscles you may find that you’ve a solid board just below the chest – a two pack, if you will – but are suppler below the belly button. If your upper abs are stronger from targeting them more regularly, then you will likely channel them when pulling and lifting.

READ: THIS STOMACH VACUUM EXERCISE IS THE EASIEST WAY TO GET A THINNER WAIST AND FLAT ABS

Remember: focus on technique in the first instance. Whereas tens of reps may look and seem like they’ll achieve the best result, fewer, slower, better executed movements will ultimately activate the muscles most effectively. From there, maybe consider adding weights to your movements, where possible, before you go upping the reps. Why? You do the same when building your arms and legs, so why not the abs?

The answer is to emphasize the lower abs by targeting them; this is a case of feeling that part of the belly contract by using it to crunch when performing a sit-up style exercise. As with any muscle that you’d like to emphasise in your workout, it’s a good idea to begin with those exercises – and also to end with them. When ending a workout it’s often sufficient to do a lower intensity set, or a lower-weighted set depending on what it is you’re trying to achieve.

Leg Raises

These are a good way to make sure you’re channelling the lower abs as your arms are taken out of the equation by hanging from a pull-up bar, or supporting you from dipping handles. Make sure you don’t let the swinging motion of your legs do all the work by taking it slow. You can also do these without equipment by laying on your back.

Start with three sets of 12 reps. When you’re ready to move on, hold a ball between your feet and gradually increase with a weighted medicine ball.

READ: Sculpt Your Lower ABS With These Exercises!

PLANKS

As mentioned before, mentally focus on the lower belly until you feel the effects there. With your back and legs straight, support yourself on your elbows for three 60 second sets. When you are ready to move on, rest on a medicine ball, increasing the inclination.

READ: 7 Changes that Will Happen to Your Body if You Start Doing Planks Today!

Weighted Crunches

Lay flat on your back with your feet on the floor and knees bent, with a weight in your hands held out in front of you, keep your lower back on the floor and crunch. Depending on the weight, aim for three sets and high reps.