The Importance Of Lower Belly Exercises.We all know that lower belly exercises are the correct way to get a flat tummy. And we all know that the crunch are superior than situps with the legs held down. Because when you hold the legs down, the hip flexors do most of the work. It's not a bad idea to have strong hip flexors but they shouldn't be stronger than the lower abdominals. The reason being that if the hip flexors do most of the work when you do lower belly exercises, the very problem you're trying to correct actually gets worse. 
Let me explain: the lower abdominals have to be strong enough to hold the pelvis in the posterior pelvic tilt position. Otherwise, whenever you bend down to lift something, which puts stress on the trunk, you get pain in the lower back because of improper lordic curve. A pot belly and back pain often come from the same weak lower rectus abdominals. This news isn't too earth shaking but what is interesting is how to go about an abdominal workout.
I always thought crunch situps were the key. You know the kind I'm talking about - laying on the floor with your legs resting on a bench in front of you. You're not doing the full sit up, you just crunch part way. This abdominal exercise only builds the upper abs is not part of the lower belly exercises. So... What is the correct lower belly exercises.
Leg raises are not the answer because if not done correctly they actually add to the problem and aggravate low back pain. You are working the hip flexors more than lower abs each time you do leg raises. The hip flexors keep your pelvis in an anterior tilt so it makes your lower gut stick out. Furthermore, this anterior pelvic tilt puts your low back in a prime position for injury.
All it takes is just standing on your feet for a while and the pressure of your spine sitting on top the improper anterior pelvic tilt gives you low back pain.The key is to get it into correct position by strengthening the lower abdominals without strengthening the hip flexors. That's why you got lo learn how to do... The best lower belly exercises there is!I can't tell you how much this lower belly exercises has added strength to my pelvic floor. What does that mean? It means when I lift something from the floor, there is more power in my lower back and pelvis. I know the only thing stopping me from lifting heavier is strength not the fear of low back injury. It means my waist has dropped under 32 inchs for the first time since high school. So what's the exercise?"The Pelvic Rock". Lay down on a flat bench or situp board, reach over your head and grasp the edge. Raise your legs with knees bent so your thighs are perpendicular to the floor and press your lower back hard to the bench. You won't know it right at first but the only muscles that can press your low back to the bench is the lower abdominals. Next, let the pelvis roll forward so the back arches. Keep your knees in the same position. Continue the rocking of the pelvis back and forth. Once you get the movement down pat you won't need to move the legs at all. As you get stronger, extend the legs out a little as you do the pelvis rock. This will add weight to the exercise. Gradually you will be able to place a dumbell between your feet while you do the rocking back and forth of the pelvis and the hip flexors can't do a darn thing about it!
Your lower abdominals will get stronger, you will get a flat tummy and your back will refuse to be pulled out of position by strong hip flexors because your lower abs will be so powerful.
Another effective lower belly exercise is the Mountain Climber. These are a direct replacement to the leg raises but they do not involve the hip flexors. Start at the top of a standard push-up position. Without letting your hips sag bring your left knee in to your left elbow. Return to start and repeat by alternate from side to side. This is a full body exercise and works the lower abs a lot harder. "Oh Give Me A Break!"I hear you say. I know, I used to believe the same thing. The truth? Anytime you do leg raises you are working the hip flexors isotonically and the lower belly isometrically.Quick explanation: Isotonically means moving the muscle through its full range of motion and isometrically means holding it flexed in a static condition. Why is this information so important? Because you can build a muscle a lot faster by doing full reps than you can by just holding it flexed. Yet when we do leg raises we are working our hip flexors through their full range of motion and our lower belly is held static. Why do we do this? I'll tell you why I did...Ignorance! Why Lower Belly Exercises Are the Key To A Flat Stomach.Lower abs are the abdominal wall that supports the weight of the intestines when your are standing up. You have to keep this area toned well enough so it holds the intestines flat when the lower abdominal aren't flexed. So remember this: each time you do leg raises as your lower belly exercises you are strengthening the muscles that contribute to your pot belly.There you have it, these are just some of the killer ideas in Mike Geary’s book "Truth About Abs". It’s no wonder it is the #1 selling book on the internet. Not only will you receive a complete blue-print for challenging full-body workouts that will thoroughly define your entire body in addition to your abs (not just lower belly exercises ), but you'll also gain a thorough understanding of what types of nutritional strategies and other lifestyle aspects that it takes to reduce your belly fat to the level where your abs are visible. Remember, nutrition and mindset are MORE important than just the workouts! Be sure and check out the free video presentation that will get you on your way to a flat belly.
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