| The test of truly strong abs is when you can | | | | Focus on tightening your abs as you pull your legs up. If |
| supplement your own body weight while doing | | | | your hips are not being moved upwards, this means |
| abdominal exercises. If you're able to support your | | | | you are not using your lower abs during this exercise. |
| weight primarily through your ab strength, you've | | | | Your goal is to exercise both the upper and lower abs. |
| definitely reached the next level of definition and | | | | Once your legs are as high as you can left them, hold |
| strength in your mid-region. To test your abdominal | | | | them in this position for one second. DO NOT hold |
| strength, or to begin reaching this next level, you can | | | | your breath as you attempt to hold them steady. |
| use the parallel bars, along with ankle weights or a | | | | Remember to breathe. |
| medicine ball, to perform this great abdominal exercise: | | | | Slowly lower your legs and return to the vertical |
| Hip Raises | | | | position you started again. |
| Doing hip raises on parallel bars require that you have | | | | Repeat for 10-15 reps. |
| some abdominal strength. Even if you don't exactly | | | | You can also perform this exercise using a Roman |
| have the abs, doing this exercise can help begin to | | | | chair or dip bars, especially if you'd rather have a back |
| build your ab muscles and take them to new heights. | | | | rest to provide better stability. If your ab strength is on |
| Using a medicine ball or ankle weights force your abs | | | | the weak side, you might want to consider practicing |
| to do more work and is a more challenging way to | | | | this abdominal workout without using the weights or |
| work out your abdominal muscles. | | | | medicine ball. This will not only help build up your abs, |
| Strap ankle weights onto each leg, or place a medicine | | | | but also develop muscle memory when the motions |
| ball between your knees. | | | | are required and the extra weight has your doubting |
| Your body should be straight (up and down) with the | | | | your ability. |
| entire weight supported by your arms. | | | | This type of abdominal exercise really helps to |
| Raise your legs and hips toward your chest; your goal | | | | strengthen your core and make you a stronger |
| is to try and form at least a 90 degree angle with your | | | | person. After all, there's a lot more to having great abs |
| body. | | | | than making the ladies (or gentlemen) swoon. |