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Ab exercises are one of the most popular routines for both professional athletes and those who just want to get a fit body. They are also the most difficult, as working your core muscles takes patience and energy and if you are just starting, a bit of pain. In order to get great abs, you first need to get rid of all the fat covering your belly and then you can move on to muscle definition.

Basic abdominal exercises

The two most common exercises that you can do are the basic crunch and sit-up. These will work your core muscles and are a good way to start your routine. To do the basic crunch, lie on a mat or carpeted floor and place your hands behind your head. Bend your knees so that they face the ceiling. To begin a crunch, lift the top half of your body off the floor using your stomach, shoulder blades and upper back before lowering it back down to the ground. You should try and do 10 at a time.

A sit-up is similar. You start in the same position as the basic crunch, but cross your arms across your chest instead. Lift your upper body off the ground and go back down again. Keep your chin up and your feet firmly on the ground. Aim for 10 reps.

Leg lifts

A more complex abdominal exercise is the leg lift. To do a leg lift, lie down on your back with your hands at your sides. Your legs should be kept up straight with the bottom of your feet facing the ceiling. Lower your legs towards the floor and move them back to their original position again. Do not let your legs touch the floor and when moving them back towards the ceiling, make sure you do not lift your lower back.

If you are pregnant, have an illness or suffer from back problems, consult your doctor before doing any abdominal exercises to avoid injury.

Tags: exercise, health