Free Ab Workout Routine - Short But Effective

By Matt Olson

The following is an awesome free ab workout routine that will get your abs ripped in no time. Many bodybuilders and fitness professionals use this routine or one that is similar. That's because it flat out works! Keep in mind that you don't have to be a bodybuilder or live in the gym to get great results. "Normal" people with busy live can benefit from this routine as well.

This ab workout should only be performed twice per week. Contrary to what many people believe, the abs are muscles just like any other muscles in the body... and that means they need proper rest in order to recuperate and develop. Twice per week is plenty!

The ab muscles have a lot of slow twitch fibers which means they respond best to higher reps. But there is no need to do hundreds or reps. Quality, controlled movements in the 15-20 rep range is the name of the game here.

Ok, here it is.. get ready for those abs to burn!

1. Hanging Leg Raises 15-20 reps x 3 sets.

Description: Hang from a chin-up bar and slowly raise both legs until parallel to the floor. A slight bend in the knees is fine. Don't make the mistake of swinging your legs up and down... slow, steady and controlled.

Without resting, go immediately to the next exercise...

2. Hanging, Bent-Knee Raises 15-20 reps x 3 sets.

Description: Hang from the chin-up as in the last exercise. But this time bend your knees as you raise them up towards your chest.

Rest for a minute or two then go to the next exercise...

3. Weighted Crunches 15-20 reps x 3 sets.

Description: Performed like a standard crunch, only you are holding a weighted plate or dumbbell near your midsection/chest. Start off with a light weight and gradually increase weight as you get stronger.

Without resting, go immediately to the next exercise...

4. Reverse Crunches 15-20 reps x 3 sets.

Description: Start like you were going to do a standard crunch. Hands can be flat on the floor or behind the head. Bring your bent knees towards your chest. Curl your hips off the floor by contracting the abs, at the same time reach your legs straight up towards the ceiling.
Again, don't swing your legs up... concentrate on using your abs to lift you hips. This is a small movement and you need to focus. This exercise is great for the lower abs.

That's it! This is a short but very effective free ab workout routine. Done properly, you should feel an incredible workout and you will have targeted all the abdominal muscles equally.

Keep in mind that getting a flat, well-defined stomach or "6 -pack" takes more than doing ab exercises. A flat stomach depends on lowering your body fat. You need to do your cardio and get on a sensible eating program to remove the fat that is hiding your newly developed ab muscles. Its best to follow the advice of a professional with a bodybuilding background... they tend to know what works best and will steer you away from the fad diets and crazy fitness advice that's out there.

Ready to learn more about how to benefit the most from a killer free ab workout routine? Click Here to discover an amazing, all natural method to transform your abs into fantastic shape... even in your mushiest spots...without drugs, supplements or fad diets.