Lower Ab Workout
Jeremy Carlson

The lower abdominal region is where most people want improvement. This is where the unsightly belly bulge looms, and love handles appear. In order to achieve a sleek midsection you not only need to work the lower abdominal muscles, but also eat a healthy diet. In order to show off you toned muscles you also need to get plenty of cardio to help burn the fat that often covers this area.

Below is a list of some easy exercises to help you uncover and tighten your lower abdominal muscles.

The Reverse Crunch
The reverse crunch is a very simple movement, but a great exercise for the abdominal muscles. Lie on your back with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle. Contracting your abs, lift your hips off of the floor and reach your feet towards the ceiling. Return to your starting position and do 12 to 16 reps.

Single Knee Raise
To begin this exercise you need to lie on you back with your knees bent. You feet should be flat on the floor and your hands should be by your side. Relax your head and neck while pressing your lower back into the floor. Keeping your abs tight, slowly bring your left knee up and into your chest. Bring your knee as close to your chest as you can and hold it there for two to three seconds before returning to the starting position. You should aim to do 10 to 15 reps per set.

Pelvic Tilt
To begin this exercise you need to lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor, hip width apart. Your hands should be by your side with your head and neck relaxed. Slowly tighten your lower abdominal muscles while pulling your belly button towards your spine. Roll your pelvis towards your shoulders while pressing your back flat into the floor. Hold this position for three seconds before slowly returning to the starting position. Repeat 5 to 15 times.

Scissors
To begin this exercise you need to lie on your back with your hands under your buttocks. Contract both your lower ab muscles and your leg muscles, and lift your legs approximately two feet off of the floor. Without bending your knees, cross your right leg over your left leg. Open your legs back out and cross your left leg over your right leg. Repeat the scissor action 8 to 10 times while keeping your abs contracted. Eventually build up to 10 to 15 reps as your strength increases.

Double Leg Circles
To begin this exercise you need to lie on your back with your hands under your buttocks. Contract your abs and lift both legs a few inches off of the floor. Rotate both of your legs together in circles. Complete five circles in a clockwise direction before lowering your legs to the floor for a few seconds. Lift your legs again and complete five circles in a counter clockwise direction. Gradually increase to 10 to 15 circles.

Repeating these exercises several times per week will lead to stronger, tighter abs.

About the Author: Jeremy is a fitness guide who helps educate people to become fit and healthy through good diet and exercise. He suggests checking out the Insanity Workout for an overall great workout. If you want to fine tune your abs there is a new workout coming out in the fall of 2009 called RevAbs Workout. Get all the info.