Using Sit Ups to Develop Great Abs

The myth of sit ups being ineffective as a method of abdominal exercise stems from the fact that most people who attempt to perform the exercise do not follow the proper procedure. Without the right form and proper technique, one cannot expect to see any results. It is therefore quite important that you perform sit ups correctly -- otherwise, you'll just tire yourself out and increase your risk of injury. It's best to find a video recording of good technique, or watch a fitness trainer performing the exercise, otherwise you risk misunderstanding the correct procedure.

Take the time to write down a routine for your sit ups. For best results, it's advisable to work out twice a day, but if you can't do that, once per day is acceptable. You should start out performing approximately ten fewer sit ups than your maximum, and increase that by five sit ups each week. My personal routine started out with me performing 20 sit ups in the morning and 20 in the evening -- and when I first started, I was in horrible shape! Now, I do two sets of a hundred sit ups each. The key to success is starting with a comfortable amount and gradually increasing your exercise level. Remember: slow and steady wins the washboard abs.

No matter what form of exercise, sit ups or otherwise, it's important to make sure that you're exercising in a manner that suits your personal fitness level. If you try and exceed your physical abilities, you risk over exerting (and injuring) yourself. Before starting any exercise regime, it's best to get advice from your physician about what activities are safe for you, or go in for a physical checkup to make sure that you're in good health to start working out.

Most importantly of all, one must understand that starting a new exercise program is not a trivial matter. It takes dedication and power of will to practice doing the exercises correctly, and it takes persistence to force yourself to do that crucial "just one more" sit up. Just remember: the harder you train now, the more confident you can feel later, come swimsuit season. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy developing your six-pack.

By: Mr. U
Published: 05/01/08