An Exercise To Create Those Sexy Six Pack Abs

Would you like to have abs that make your friends jealous and are a serious attraction to the opposite sex? I have a great exercise for you. It's called the "Cross T Ball Exchange." The only equipment we need is an inflatable exercise ball.

First, let me remind you that big determinants to how your abdominals look are your nutrition and your well-rounded exercise routine. You have to have both of those in place to get visible results from ANY ab exercise. Despite television ads to the contrary, it's impossible to "spot reduce" fat from a particular body part. If you have a "beer belly" or this is the only exercising you do, we will make your abs stronger and more toned but a layer of body fat will cover up your six-pack treasure. The bottom-line is to make sure you are doing your part with a good nutrition program and a solid exercise plan.

Start the "Cross T Ball Exchange" by lying on the ground face up. With your legs straight or slightly bent, bring your feet six inches off the ground. Hold the ball at arms' length directly over your upper torso. Touch the ball to the ground to your left at about waist level, keeping your torso on the ground and your legs elevated throughout the exercise. Now touch the ball to the ground at waist level to your right. While extending your arms, touch the ball to the ground over your head. Now move your legs and arms toward each other so you can exchange the ball from your hands to your legs, placing the ball right between your ankles. The straighter your legs are during the exercise, the more difficult it will be. Lower your legs until the ball touches the ground and then bring your legs back up to your hands to take the ball and start again. That is one repetition.

This is not an exercise for anyone with lower back problems. It is for people who are already in good shape and are looking for a way to spice up their ab routine. It is a regular part of many of my clients' routines, typically for three sets of 12 to 15 reps. The exercise uses your entire core area; making it a good ab exercise for someone wants to work the entire muscle complex but has limited time.

If the exercise seems too difficult at first try having your feet higher than six inches off the ground and/or bend your knees significantly. Don't get discouraged if you can only do a few reps at first. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither are great abs. Just add a repetition or two as you become accustomed to the exercise. The "Cross T Ball Exchange" will help take your abs to the next level!

Cliff Wiese has been active in fitness, sports, and sport psychology since 1981. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, as well as a Sports Performance Coach. He works with a varied international clientele, ranging from world-class athletes to pre and post rehabilitation patients to Special Olympians. A speaker and writer in high demand, Cliff can be reached by email at cwiese@lycos.com or by telephone in the USA at 979-229-6276.

Cliff attended Schreiner University on athletic and leadership scholarship and has done graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma. He is active in Special Olympics as a Powerlifting Coach and is a volunteer grant writer for a number of charities, primarily organizations involving at-risk children. Cliff is also personally active in sport and has won championships in five different sports. He is currently finishing his first book, aimed at creating and sustaining successful and life-long workout routines for non-exercisers.