Lower Stomach Exercises
Isolating each muscle group in the abdominal region is a very important and often times neglected step in winning the battle of the bulge. One set of muscles that greatly benefits from isolation exercises is the lower stomach area. There are quite a few stomach exercises designed to target this particular region but before we get started, you will want to check with a physician before beginning any new workout routine. Also be sure to warm-up properly before exercising to avoid injury.
Crunchless Crunch
Although this exercise is pretty simple to do, it can be difficult for some. Essentially, you are trying to pull your belly button inward toward your spine. You may not be used to activating these muscles and again this may be difficult for some. These crunches can be done either laying down or from a kneeling position. Try both ways and see which feels better, or more effective for you. To begin, try and relax as much as possible. Then by using only the lower ab muscles, try and pull your belly button in toward your spine and hold this position for ten seconds to start.
Alternating Toe Touch
Lie on the floor for this next one using a mat or a towel to cushion your spine. With your feet up in the air, raise your right arm and grab your left foot. Do this by using only the lower abdominal muscles. Then slowly lower back down and repeat with the opposite hand and foot. Be sure to keep your knees straight. Also, you will want to keep some space between your chin and your chest.
Sit-Up Hold
While still on the floor, try this great stomach exercise. Place your feet flat on the ground and put your hands behind your head. Hold your elbows back so you can’t see them. You don’t want them along side your head. Now use the lower abs to lift your shoulders off the ground and hold this position for at least ten seconds. Be sure to use your abs and not your arms or neck to lift you off the floor.
Lower Back Flatten
This exercise makes for a natural progression from the previous exercise. Again, you start by lying down with your feet flat and knees bent. With this exercise you try to flatten your lower back to the floor so there is no space in between. The lower abdominal muscles come into play here as well. Once you’ve got your back flat on the floor, you will need to hold this position for ten seconds.
As you get stronger and develop more endurance you can increase the time held for all of the above exercises. This will greatly benefit the lower stomach region.
