3 Static Belly Exercises to Tone Your Abs Without Moving a Muscle

When most people think about ab exercises they immediately think about crunches, sit ups, or leg lifts. These are all worthy exercises that can help you strengthen and tone your abs. However, there are other kind of workouts which can help you get a flatter stomach: static exercises.

Static exercises are done by holding your muscles in a contracted mode without moving them. This has a different effect than regular workouts and can help you achieve better and faster results. Practically every regular exercise can be combined with a static element. You simply hold your body in the position in which you are at the greatest muscular strain.

For instance, if you do a crunch, you can hold for a second just before you lower your body back to the starting position. This is a static muscular stimulation.

However, there are a number of strictly static belly exercises that you should include in your regular workout routine. Here are 3 of them:




Stomach vacuums - You stand or sit with your back straight. Breathe deeply in and then exhale all the air out of your lungs. Suck your stomach in and hold it for 20 seconds or more. Make sure not to bend your back and to keep your stomach muscles clenched.

The plank - This is a classic and well loved exercise that is usually performed at the end of your workout session. You position yourself similarly as you would for a push-up but rest on your forearms instead of your hands. By holding this position, with a straight back and neck, you will get an awesome workout which works both the inner and outer abs.

A variation of this workout is the side plank which is also a static exercise. You rest on one forearm and position your body sideways. This works the waist and obliques.

A third static exercise can be done by lying on the floor with straight legs and then raising them off the ground at a height of about 5 inches. By holding this position for 30 seconds or more you target the lower abs. Make sure to keep your lower back closely attached to the floor. This exercise can make your back arch which can be risky, so be sure to take care.

The best ab workout includes static exercises and variations as well as regular full range exercises. This will help you get a fuller and better workout.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/John_Davenport/92959

2 Explosive Super Intense Cardio Drills For You!

Real cardio workouts are intense cardio workouts, period. Now there is nothing wrong with walking or jogging, but if you are wanting to speed up the progress of your overall conditioning and physical appearance then you have to dial up the intensity. This is why I have included 2 explosive and hard hitting cardio drills in this article for you to slam the door on the old treadmill cardio workouts. Read and apply!

Intense Cardio Drills!

1. Squat Jumps: One way to speed up your metabolism and total body conditioning is to engage in squat jumps. This body weight drill is highly effective in conditioning your body to execute intense intervals of short burst work while keeping strict management on your recovery time. Additional loading can be done, but is not necessary.

To execute this intense cardio drill simply stand with your feet at about shoulder width distance apart in length. From here initiate a counter-movement with your arms by swinging them back with your hips as you descend into the base of the squat. This squat movement should be quick and powerful. As soon as you reach the base of the squat you will then want to explosively extend at your hips, knees, and ankles with enough force to elevate your body off of the ground. As you force your body up bring your arms forward to assist your body in extending in the process. Make sure to land heel to toe and to flex at the hips, knees, and ankles in order to set yourself up for the next immediate jump! Perform all jumps in continuous succession.




2. Cycled Split Squat Jumps: This is another plyometric drill that will give you a tremendous cardio workout routine. For this drill you will want to start from a lunge position. Now the key to this explosive cardio exercise is to maintain body control and balance while performing a very dynamic movement.

From the lunge position you are going to explosively extend and jump off of your front leg and switch your legs in mid air to reverse their position. As you land you are going to land in the same position as you started which is from the lunge. Now the key here is to keep your jumps moving in a constant pace or cycle. You should cycle the lunge jumps back and forth maintaining your balance and position to the ground with smooth effort. This is a cardio fitness exercise that will change your workouts forever.

If you haven't already started to implement the following 2 cardio drills into your workouts then you are missing the boat! Take the time to learn more by accessing my articles. Remember that most anyone can train hard, but only the best train smart!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Brandon_Richey/17