A proper lower abs workout is what separates good abs from great abs. These days it seems the hallmark of an impressive physique is a set of 6 pack abs. But 8 pack abs are what set you apart from the rest of the pack. Check out the way to accomplish this.
Leg raises are an important part of developing amazing abs.
There is nothing else that will create a stomach area as hard as a washboard like leg raises will. Contrary to popular opinion, even crunches won’t come close! Many people forget about including these exercises, but they really a necessary part of any ab workout. Leg raises are simply a part of any high quality, high results lower abs workout. This is the best way to get ultra-strong contractions in your abs, which is the goal to etch out ab definition.
Ever stopped to look at what goes on in a prison yard?
Well, I’ve never been close enough to see a prison yard myself, but what I have seen is convicts who have some of the most impressive, ripped physiques possible! In a book called “Convict Conditioning”, the author Paul Wade explains that guys who are locked up focus on hanging leg raises as their main ab exercise. He says that by the time a prisoner can do 4-5 sets of 15-20 strict reps of hanging leg raises with their legs straight, they typically have ridiculously ripped abs.
Before You Ever Consider Another Ab Exercise, Master Hanging Leg Raises
Not only are these ideal for a lower abs workout, but they will also help you strengthen the entire abdominal area. You will also find, because you are also hanging from a bar as well, that you’re developing detail muscles throughout your midsection. It is best to progress slowly and work your way up to hanging leg raises. Be sure to master one exercise before you begin moving on to the next one. All it will take is 4-5 total sets performed 2 times per week to eventually develop 8 pack abs.
1) Lying Leg Raises 5 x 20: Laying on a padded mat, lift your legs so your feet are aligned over your hips. Begin by lowering your legs slowly till your feet almost touch the floor. Raise them back up to above your hips and repeat. Work up to 4 sets of 20 reps. If this is too challenging, do this with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle first then work up to doing them with your legs straight. Your lower abs will be screaming on sets 4 and 5, no matter how strong you get at these.
2) Hanging Knee Ups 4 x 20: Holding an overhead bar with your hands, slowly raise your knees until you achieve an 90 degree angle with your upper legs. Lower your knees back down. Your hip flexors are where you will really feel this exercise. And your grip might be weak. Try to avoid using wrist wraps as you will want to strengthen and develop your forearms as well as making sure you’re functionally fit all over.
3) Hanging Leg Raises 4 X 20: With this exercise you’ll need to grab an overhead bar and raise your legs, either straight or with your knees bent slightly, until that 90 degree angle is reached with your legs and body. You can stretch your hamstrings out if they feel tight before you begin the exercise. The key to this exercise is doing it in a controlled and slow manner. My guess is less than 1% of the gym population have strong enough abs to do these properly. Mastering the first exercise of lifting your legs when they are bent to almost 90 degrees can help you with the other exercises. It’s comes down to the straighter you keep you legs, the harder the exercise becomes.
Following these tips will help you become the master of leg raises for having 8 pack abs.
It goes without saying that your body fat levels need to be low enough to reveal your abs. Simply diet hard and get to a low body fat level and master the single best ab exercise known to man. This is your fast track to 8 pack abs. There is no need to research any other exercises. Just 4-5 sets of this exercise is easily the best lower abs workout.