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Many
people consider that the lower abs are the most difficult abdominal muscles to
define. Developing a lean hard-ripped midsection requires a great effort and
patience, especially when it comes to lose those last few pounds. The lower abs
can be the most stubborn and exercise-resistant area regarding the loss of body
fat. Unfortunately, some individuals are so obsessed with this spot that do not
hesitate to use extremely hazardous diet drugs or liposuction. Others use the
latest abs devices or do countless sit-ups, all to no avail. Don’t be kidding
yourself! The only proved method of get rid of the adipose tissue is the proper
combination of a healthy diet, aerobics, a comprehensive abdominal training and
weight training.
Before
we proceed to a training routine that its main target would be the development
of lower abs lets clear some thoughts. First of all you have to realize that
there is no such thing as ‘spot reduction’. In simple words you can’t
isolate where you are going to reduce body fat. When you burn fat for energy,
you will draw it from all areas of the body and either you are like it or not,
the first place you tend to hold it will be the last place it comes off. When it
comes to these ‘stubborn’ spots genetics play a crucial role. Both sexes
have different genetic patterns of fat storage. In women, the stubborn areas
tend to be hips, thighs and the butt. In men it’s usually the lower abs. These
genetic traits cannot be altered or changed through diet or training alone. They
are unchangeable. You should understand that the shape of your abs is entirely
genetic. If you do not have great abs naturally, a million of crunches won’t
built a hard six-pack midsection. The number of rows of abdominal muscle you
possess is also entirely a matter of genetics. Most people have three rows, but
some have four rows and some people have only two. Whatever number of abs God
gave you is what you have. You cannot do anything about it.
A more than a good routine which develops the lower abs would be the following:
1)
Hanging Leg Raises: Grasp a chinning
bar with an overhand grip and hang at arms’ length from the bar. Now raise
your knees as high as you can, trying to touch them to your chest (bent your
knees while doing this). At this point flex the abs hard and lower slowly in
complete control. Do not swing while doing this movement as this motion will
reduce the effectiveness of this exercise.
2)
Roman Chair Crunches:
Position
yourself on a Roman chair bench, forearms on the pads and hangs gripping the
handles. Start with your legs fully extended. Now pull up your knees as high as
you can toward your chest. Hold at this point for a 2-count and then lower your
legs back down slowly to the start position. It’s important to control your
legs at all times. Avoid letting your body get into swinging motion which will
detract from the effectiveness of the exercise.

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