Abs are very important!
Want ripped abs? If that's the case, doing various exercises to target all of the abdominal muscle groups — the rectus abdominus, the obliques and the transverse abdominus — will get you there.
First things first — you have to start with the building block of all abdominal work. Master the basic crunch and you'll be ready for more advanced abs exercises in no time. Coveted six-pack abs, here you come! Ready to get started?
Here's how to do the basic crunch:
Lie on you back with your knees bent and your feet placed flat on the floor about hip-width apart. Place your hands behind your head so that your thumbs are behind your ears.
Do not lace your fingers together. Keep your elbows open and out to the sides. Keep your chin up and off your chest.
Take a deep breath, and then exhale while curling up and forward until your shoulder blades are lifted off the floor.
Hold for a moment at the top of the movement, fully exhale all of the air in your lungs for a complete contraction of the abs, then slowly lower yourself back to the floor.
If you can't stop pulling on your neck, cross your arms across your chest and keep your tongue pressed on the roof of your mouth to help alleviate the strain.
