Get a Smaller Waist by Working Your Transverse Abs!

[QueenieAbby]

Get a Smaller Waist by Working Your Transverse Abs!

by Abby_Campbell, www.911BodyResQ.com

We all get in that rut every so often where we aren't consistent with our workouts and eats as we should be.  It can be tough with work, vacation, and family visits!  Before we know it, our tummies are pooching just a little bit more than we'd like.  The great thing is that it's not something that can't be fixed.  In fact, we can still work on our transverse abs any time of the day and not just at the gym!

So, what are "transverse" abs?  They are the deepest level of abdominal muscles that work to stabilize the entire midsection of your body which is also called the "core."  Because they are the "inner" muscles of your abdomen, you don't visually see them.  However, they are responsible for holding everything in.  If your transverse muscles aren't strong, your tummy will pooch or hang out.  Unfortunately, this happens naturally from pregnancy and/or aging.

If you have a hanging or pooched tummy, there is no need to fret.  Along with some cardio workouts, you can specifically work on strengthening your transverse abs that will pull that waist in.  Following are some exercises that may seem silly, but they are actually the ones that target the most important muscle in your abdominal region. 

TRANSVERSE ABS EXERCISE #1 - FRONT PLANK POSE

To perform this exercise, lie on the floor with stomach side down.  Place your elbows beneath your shoulders, and place your toes on the floor with legs spread hip width apart.  With your back straight, lift your body off the floor and pull your belly button towards your spine.  Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds.  Relax for 30 to 60 seconds.  Repeat for 3 to 5 repetitions.

TRANSVERSE ABS EXERCISE #2 - SIDE PLANK POSE

Lie on your side on the floor to perform this exercise.  Lift your body off the floor and balance on your forearm and foot closest to the floor.  Contract your abdominals inward and relax your shoulders.  Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds.  Relax for 30 to 60 seconds.  Repeat 3 to 5 times.

TRANSVERSE ABS EXERCISE #3 - VACUUMS

This is the ultimate exercise for your transverse abs.  It is one of which is shown in video by my good friend, Darin Steen, called "vacuums," and I'll allow him to present it to you with instructions.  (You'll hear a little "male" talk here, but he does present the exercise better than anyone I've seen to date.  :P   )  You can do vacuums anywhere... while you're driving, watching television, working at your desk, or lying in bed.  And, of course, you can do them at the gym as well.

I hope you try these great abdominal exercises that will help strengthen and tighten up your waist.  Along with a great cardio regimen, you will begin seeing the abs you've always dreamed of!