Using Abs Exercises to Gain Height
by Rodney Williams ~ March 17th, 2009. Filed under: Exercise.
We know how often the importance of good looking abs is stressed on TV and in health and fitness magazines. Its without a doubt the area of our bodies most talked about in relation to fitness, and most people who workout fairly often spend at least some amount of time on those abs.
While the back is usually an afterthought when it comes to abs workouts, the lower back is also the beneficiary of most of these abs workouts. The same area that gets targeted at the front of our bodies is also being worked on in the back, making abs workouts a great way to also work on the lower back, increasing muscle strength, which helps ease the compression of the spine, helping you grow taller.
Here are three abs workouts which can help flatten your tummy and strengthen and stretch out your back at the same time.
1) Lower Ab Crunch - This should be performed lying down, preferably on a decline bench if you have one, but a flat bench is also fine. Bring your knees slowly up towards your chest, as close to your mid or upper body as you can. Especially while on a decline bench you’ll feel the great workout that this gives to your abdominal area.
2) Lying Crunch - Also performed while lying on your back, though this time your legs need to be elevated slightly, by either resting them on a table or similar object. Holding your hands clasped behind you head, make a traditional sit-up move, pulling your body up as much as you can.
You’ll find that you can only rise about half the distance as you would be able to during a traditional sit-up, because of the positioning of your legs. This technique should be quickly repeated for several reps, giving your abs a full blown workout in short duration. You can also hold your glutes to increase the tension in your abs for an added effect.
3) Back Hyperextensions - Find a surface where you can lie down flat on your stomach, with most of your body body suspended over the edge. A hard surface is preferred, but a bed can also suffice if necessary. Now slowly lower your upper body down to the ground, then pull yourself back up again with no assistance from any other part of your body. Your abs and back will be the stars of this routine, and the workout they’ll receive from it is superb.
These abs workout can flatten your tummy and lengthen your spine in no time flat, giving you the confidence to both show off your stomach, and get out of those heightening shoes in one fell swoop.