Lower Abdominal Exercises

The lower belly fat is generally the last, and hardest spot, to lean down and lose fat from. It is also the spot that most people would like to tone. Go figure.

But the lower abs aren’t only important to work for aesthetic reasons…The lower ab area includes our deep core intrinsic stabilizers, which are also generally weaker than we would like. And weakness in these muscles may be one big reason you suffer from low back, hip and even knee pain!

So whether you have pain or simply want more toned looking abs, you need to learn how to truly engage and work those deep core muscles. Which isn’t as easy as doing sit ups or crunches or planks.

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You know when you do double leg lowers and you feel your low back working? So you put your hands behind your butt to help?

Well your low back takes over because your core isn’t engaging and working correctly. And putting your hands behind your low back may fix the issue, BUT it doesn’t actually train you to engage your core correctly.

So instead of continuing to put your hands behind your butt so your low back doesn’t engage…and instead of continuing to feel your low back during crunches and sit ups and planks…Learn how to engage your core correctly and strengthen those lower abs!

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Well there are generally two schools of thought – you learn Hollow Body (what I often call Pelvic Tilt) OR you learn how to brace.

I recommend learning how to brace, like someone is about to punch you in the stomach, AND learning how to engage your abs with the pelvic tilt, where you draw your belly button in toward your spine.

For instance, bracing is very important when squatting and deadlift. You want to learn how to tense your abs and you can even use breathing to engage your core. Pelvic tilt isn’t really appropriate here.

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But right now I want to focus on the Pelvic Tilt because this move is super essential to learning to keep your core engaged during most of the more isolated core work we do – whether it is leg lowers, sit ups or planks. And it is a great place to start if you are suffering from low back pain (or are even pregnant or have recently given birth).

There are two basic variations I like to do. One is lying down and what I call the Basic Pelvic Tilt. One is quadruped called the Vomiting Cat.

To do the Basic Pelvic Tilt, lie on your back on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Relax your arms down by your sides. As you lie on your back, you should feel a space between your low back and the ground.

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Now draw your belly button in toward your spine as you “scoop out” your belly and press your low back into the ground. Feel your abs engage as you press your low back down into the ground. Hold for a count then release.

This engagement is what you should feel and do DURING double leg lowers. But to get to double leg lowers, you may need to start with the Basic Pelvic Tilt and slowly progress. First you can start with a march, keeping your knees bent.

Double Leg Lowers are something you EARN. They aren’t just a move you do if you don’t feel your abs! And as you earn them, you’ll work to keep your legs straighter and lower them closer to the ground.

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Variations of the Double Leg Lowers are a great way to work your lower abs, and I include many variations of this move in the 25 Lower Ab Exercises video below, BUT you have to EARN these.

Start with the Basic Pelvic Tilt and learn the full progression HERE. Work toward those Double Leg Lowers, Lower Ab Planks and all the fun variations with the Basic Pelvic Tilt. And get even more out of those moves BECAUSE your abs are actually engaged and working!

Another great way to activate your core using a form of the Pelvic Tilt is with the Vomiting Cat. This is often used as a stretch for your back, but it can actually be a KILLER way to build your ab strength and work those lower abs.

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And it has a great name…RIGHT!?! 🙂 Actually the reason for the name is because you are drawing your abs in almost as if you are trying to cough up a hairball…Just don’t actually cough one up!

To do the Vomiting Cat, start on your hands and knees with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Then draw your belly button in toward your spine as you round your back up toward the ceiling. Tuck your hips under as you try to draw your abs in as hard as you can.

As I mentioned, you are trying to draw your abs in and round up as if you were a cat coughing up a hairball.

Lower Abdominal Exercises

Both of these are key moves to start with and use even in your warm up if you have pain or struggle to get your lower abs engaged and working. For beginners these are a MUST-DO!

From here you can even have some fun and use moves such as the Dead Bug (3:18), Butterfly Crunches (2:17), and the Plange Plank (4:46) shown in the video below…

Actually the Plange Plank is the perfect way to progress the Vomiting Cat even! Plus, if you want to get the most out of your planks, you’ll want to do the Pelvic Tilt (even more reason to always return to the basics!). Here is more on improving your planks.

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Remember though as you begin to have some fun with these variations that it is key you actually FEEL your abs working. Don’t simply put your hands behind your butt and put a “band-aid” on the problem. Learn how to ACTUALLY engage your abs with the Pelvic Tilt and Vomiting Cat.

Set a timer for 20 second intervals. Complete 3 rounds of the circuit below. Try not to rest, but go straight from one move to the next and then rest 20 seconds before repeating so you can make sure your abs keep working and your low back doesn’t take over.

This quick workout is perfect as a warm up to get your core working OR as a quick core burnout after you finish your workout!

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And if you want even BETTER results from your lower ab workouts, aka you want even more defined, lean, strong-looking abs, you may want to consider dialing in your diet…because abs are definitely made in the kitchen as well!If you’re like many people, you may find that even when you work out regularly and eat a balanced diet, your lower abs could be more strengthened and toned.

Working out your core with exercises such as planks, crunches, scissor kicks, and butterfly kicks can help build strength, making it easier to perform other activities.

Per week, if you can. Give yourself 1 day of rest between each workout day. Feel free to increase the number of repetitions and sets as you progress.

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Tips: Take slow, deep breaths during the exercise. If 30 seconds is too long, start with 10–15 and slowly increase your time.

Tips: If your lower back starts to lift up from the floor, stop there and raise your legs back to the starting position. Try making a triangle with your hands and placing them under your hip bones for extra support.

For variations, try leg half-drops (lower your legs to a 45-degree angle, and then raise them again) or single-leg drops (lower one leg, bring it back up, and then switch legs).

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Tips: If your lower back starts to lift, don’t lower your leg so far down (aim for 45 degrees). For variation, try open scissor kicks (extend your legs straight up toward the ceiling, slowly lower your right leg, bring it back up, and then alternate to your left leg).

Tips: Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. For variation, bend your knees to 90 degrees and bring them closer to your chest.

Tips: Keep your core braced by drawing your navel into your spine. If you need a quick break, hold both knees at 90 degrees for a few seconds.

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When performing any workout program, there are always safety tips to keep in mind. Lower ab exercises are no different. Before starting a lower abdominal workout, you may want to consider these safety tips:

You should begin to see improvements to the strength and appearance of your lower abs by consistently practicing these exercises. Make sure your exercise plan includes aerobic activity and strength training.

Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and try to do some type of physical activity each day, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

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Talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. This is especially important if you have any medical conditions or take any medications.

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