Stomach Workout Equipment

There is No Need for Stomach Workout Equipment

The only stomach workout equipment you need is your own body. Yet, every time I turn on the TV, there’s another super-fit model with six-pack-abs telling me if I just by this piece of equipment I can look like him or her. The truth is you don’t need any equipment and abdominal work alone will not give you a six-pack.

I’ve mentioned it several times before, but the first thing to do if you are trying to achieve cut looking abdominals is to get rid of the fat. That is accomplished with aerobic exercise and smart eating. Get on your bike, crank out some miles, and consume less calories than you burn.

So, how do work your abs without stomach workout equipment? Well, the simple answer is crunches, although there are many, many, variations that can give you more of a core workout than you care for.

Here are a few alternative core exercises for cyclists...

The bridge is a fantastic combination core exercise that has the added benefit of strengthening hamstrings and stretching hip flexors. Lie on your back with knees bent, contract your abdominals and raise your hips off the floor. Align your hips, knees, and shoulders and hold for 5 – 10 seconds before coming down for one repetition. For a greater challenge, try extending one leg while holding the bridge position.

The plank is a static pose that really works the core and requires great mental focus. Lie face down on the floor resting on your forearms. Raise up onto your toes so that your back is flat like a table top. Hold this position for 30 seconds and progress to upwards of 2 or 3 minutes.

Bicycle crunches are obviously a very specific core exercise for cyclists. Lie on the floor as if you are ready to do regular crunches. Lift your shoulder blades off the floor, and move your legs in a pedaling motion. Your hands should be up by your head (don’t cradle your neck) and you rotate your torso so that the opposite elbow comes toward the opposite knee on each extension.

These three exercises, along with many more that are available, will help you increase core abdominal strength without the use of stomach workout equipment.

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