Lower Ab Workout Tips for Women

Many women today are looking for easy ways to fit a lower ab workout into their busy days. There are many different kinds of abdominal exercises out there, but how do you know which ones are the best? Men and women's bodies are very different and so should the workouts used to keep them in shape. If you are a woman seeking to tone and strengthen your abs, then you need to find a lower ab workout designed specifically with women in mind. The following exercises are some good ones to start off with.

1. Abdominal Crunches

Most people are familiar with crunches as a regular part of many lower ab workouts. If you do not perform crunches correctly, however, they may not be effective. In order to perform a perfect crunch, lie on your back with your ankles crossed and your knees bent. You can place your hands together over your chest or behind your head with your elbows straight out to the side. Contract your abdominal muscles as you slowly lift your shoulders off the floor. Be careful not to strain your neck or your back and try to use only your abdominal muscles to lift yourself.

2. V Crunches

A variation on regular crunches, V crunches are just as easy to do at home. Sit yourself on the edge of a chair with your arms at your sides, holding on to the seat of the chair. Keeping your back straight, lean back until your body is at a 45 degree angle (this forms one half of the "V"). Next, contract your abdominal muscles as you lift your legs toward your chest, thus forming the second half of the "V". Keep your back straight - do not arch it as you lift your legs.

3. Leg Lifts

For this exercise, simply lie flat on the floor with your legs straight and your arms to your sides or under your buttocks. Slowly lift your legs 6-10 inches off the floor, keeping them straight, and hold them there for a few seconds until you feel your abdominal muscles start to shake. Hold this position for as long as you can without straining your neck or back, then repeat as many times as you can. Remember to keep your back flat on the floor and your abdominal muscles contracted.

These three exercises are great additions to any lower ab workout for women. The best part is that they can be done in the privacy of your own home, whenever you want to do them. Come up with a routine that works for you and in less time than you imagine you can achieve toned and strengthened abs.