How to tone up the lower abs? Like toning any part of your body there are many factors that will influence how those abs will be looking next summer.  Millions of crunches alone won’t do it.

Most people who say they want to “tone up” mean that they want to reduce their body fat while maintaining their lean muscle.  This reduction in body fat will shrink the waist line and leave the ab muscles more defined.  So, if you want the abs to be exposed, your main goal should be to burn calories while doing enough resistance training to maintain your muscle.

The two most important things to consider when toning anything is a good nutrition plan, and a complete full body workout.  Try to cut down on salt, sugar, saturated fats, and artificial sweeteners, and drink a lot of water.

While exercising, it’s important to work large muscle groups; this will burn more calories before and after the workout. Try to incorporate resistance training and cardio at least 3 times per week.   Although a complete fitness plan is the most important thing, there are some exercises that will help enhance the lower abs such as air bikes, hanging knee raise, reverse crunch, trunk twist, and oblique crunch.  While doing any of these go slow and concentrate on the muscle you’re working (don’t forget to breathe). Now make them burn!

One of the best things for the lower abs is something you can do anywhere.  Isometric exercise, (while maintaining steady breathing) tighten your abs and hold them. Practice doing this every day – at work, in the car, standing in line at the store, and you will see and feel a difference.

Basics to a reverse crunch – Starting position – Lie flat on your back (head down), pull your knees to your chest.

The movement-  As you exhale squeeze your abs and push your lower back to the floor, this should rotate your hips and bring your glutes slightly off the floor; hold the squeeze for 2 seconds, and relax back to starting position as you inhale, and repeat. Stop if you feel pain or light headed.