AB workout and tips

1. Train your lower abs first

The lower abs are smaller, weaker and usually less developed than their upper counter-parts. It is for this reason that you need to train them first. If you train the upper abs first the lower abs will be too tired to perform at their peak when it comes time to train them and as such won’t develop as fast.

The best lower abs exercises are one that use the legs. Here is a good post on working the lower abs with the reverse crunch.

2. Constantly increase your intensity/work rate
When training the abs it is important not to do the same thing day in, day out for months at a time. At the gym I see scores of women doing the same abs workouts everytime they are there. Do they make progress? No. When you train your abs you should be constantly thinking of new ways to shock and push your abs muscles as well as your cardio which help you burn more fat. Add weight, change the speed, add a twist - anything to make it a little different.

3. Don’t over work the abs
If you workout your abs too often the muscles will have no chance to rebuild. Muscle growth only occurs when the abs are worked and then have time to rebuild. If you work them too often you are really only being counter-productive. Three times a week should be the max.

**Most IMPORTANT**
4. Diet, Diet, Diet
When I say diet I do NOT mean go on a crazy low carb, low fat, low food, low intelligence diet that lasts for a month and makes you really skinny and unwell. What I mean is that diet is the most important thing when it comes to getting a flatter tummy and firmer abs. You need to remove the layer of fat on the abs to let the muscles show through. The best way to control that fat is through your diet.