ABS: New Techniques

Did you know the growing trend in the fitness community is switching over to stabilizing and isometric abdominal exercises instead of doing all those crunches?

So instead of crunching and flexing forward with your abs, you may want to try a few exercises in which you're resisting movement. You'll soon find out these moves can be safer on your back and work incredibly well for tightening your tummy.

I'll show you an example that is used in resistant training, yoga, and pilates. It goes by many names, but it's mainly referred to as the boat or v-pose.

Here's how to complete it:
1. Sit on your hips with both arms wrapped around your legs
2. Slowly lean back raising your feet off the floor a couple of inches
3. Once you feel balanced being to release your arms
4. Hold your arms up by your shoulders with your palms facing up
5. Straighten your legs as much as you can with good form
6. Hold for up to 60 seconds

Tips to remember:
1. Ease into the movement
2. Find your balance before releasing your arms
3. Breathe normally throughout the pose – Do not hold your breath
4. Discontinue exercise if you feel any pain in your lower back
5. Gradually increase your time with practice