A proper lower abs workout is what separates good abs from great abs. These days it seems the hallmark of an impressive physique is a set of 6 pack abs. While 6 pack abs are a great thing to shoot for, why not aim for 8 pack abs. Check out the way to accomplish this.

Various Leg Raises Are the “Holy Grail” of Ripped Abs!

There is nothing else that will create a stomach area as hard as a washboard like leg raises will. Contrary to popular opinion, even crunches won’t come close! Honestly, I am not sure when people forgot about this exercise, but it needs to form the foundation of your ab workout. You’ll discover it is the best lower abs workout there is. This is the best way to get ultra-strong contractions in your abs, which is the goal to etch out ab definition.

Ever Seen a Prison Yard?

I have never seen a prison yard live in person, but I have noticed that convicts have some of the most ripped physiques known to man. Author Paul Wade wrote the book “Convict Conditioning” and in it he explains that men who are in prison and do not have easy access to weight equipment use hanging leg raises as their primary ab exercise. When men are hanging with their leg straight and are able to do 4 to 5 sets of 15-20 hanging leg raises, they will usually have amazing abs as their reward.

Before You Ever Consider Another Ab Exercise, Master Hanging Leg Raises

Not only are these ideal for a lower abs workout, but they will also help you strengthen the entire abdominal area. You will also find, because you are also hanging from a bar as well, that you’re developing detail muscles throughout your midsection. You’ll want to take it slow to start with and work up to those hanging leg raises. Don’t move to the next tougher exercise until you fully master the previous one. Just aim for a routine of 4-5 total sets that are done twice a week, and you will see those 8 pack abs develop.

1) Lying Leg Raises 5 X 20: Lay on a padded mat on your back and lift your legs so that your feet are directly above you hips. Slowly and intentionally lower your legs until the fit are almost touching the ground. Raise the legs slowly back up and continue to repeat. Continue on this until you can do 4 sets of 20 reps each. If you find that you are unable to do this at first, you can start out by altering the exercise slightly. Keep your legs bent at a 90 degree angle to begin with and then move up to doing them with straight legs. Be prepared, because no matter how strong you become doing these, your lower abs will be screaming by the 4th and 5th sets!

2) Hanging Knee Ups 4 X 20: Grab an overhead bar and slowly raise your knees until your upper legs break a 90 degree angle. You then will lower your knees slowly back down. Your hip flexors are where you will really feel this exercise. Your grip may also be weak. Try to avoid using wrist wraps as you will want to strengthen and develop your forearms as well as making sure you’re functionally fit all over.

3) Hanging Leg Raises 4 X 20: With this exercise you’ll need to grab an overhead bar and raise your legs, either straight or with your knees bent slightly, until that 90 degree angle is reached with your legs and body. You can stretch your hamstrings out if they feel tight before you begin the exercise. The key to this exercise is doing it in a controlled and slow manner. The fact is that less than 1% of people who are going to the gym actually have abs that are strong enough for these exercises. If this seems to tough when you start out, work on mastering the exercise by bending your legs close to 90 degrees. The straighter your legs are the harder this becomes.

Following these tips will help you become the master of leg raises for having 8 pack abs.

Needless to say, you’ll need to make sure your body fat levels are low enough to show off your abs. A good diet can help you lower your body fat so you can reveal a hard and attractive stomach. This is your fast track to 8 pack abs. You won’t need to look beyond this exercise. Just 4-5 sets of this exercise is easily the best lower abs workout.

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