Could someone please explain the parts of the female abdomen? Which exercises work which parts best? (lower, upper, middle, sides etc..)

I would like a little input instead of just a website.

Thanks.

OK - to get the ball rolling...

Aside from the traditional sit-ups and crunches, I've discovered that lying on your back doing leg-lifts (and other leg exercises) will also exercise the mid and lower ab muscles.

Also lying on your back, try doing arm exercises, especially crossing your arms outstretched across your chest. This will also work the upper ab muscles. (Might also work while standing too.)

Thanks Tie!

What about working the sides? (The love handles)

I think I'm just now sure what part I'm working when I'm exercising. Seems like I'm getting some results just not in the areas I want. I need to know like when I do a crunch where it is working. What works the back? Or the middle part of my stomach. (I know that is called something)

P.S. Ok I'll take a website. Its ok.

Hi Clarebear, Check out the following site:

Truth About Training The Abdominal Muscles

Thanks so much!

Now if I read that correctly it says that I should only do 20 situps. Did I read that right?
(Effective exercise will fatigue muscles in less than 20 repetitions and will produce better results.)

That doesn't sound right. Does it?

For a person that has trouble getting down on the floor, an alternative for doing sit-ups is to sit in a chair that has no arms, sit up straight, put both fists in the middle of your back, lean backward as far as you can while your fist are resisting, now sit straight as you harden your stomach muscles. Great exercise.

While you are already sitting at your puter, try it and see what you think.

Honi

I just tried it and it didn't feel good at all!
That must mean it works!

Thanks.

Another point about exercises:
I've been told that, as you move during exercise, holding a position for 3-6 seconds is better than just repetitions alone.
I believe that, too: I had to go through physical therapy for a problem with the rotator cuff in my shoulder.
I've also tried that method with exercises for other parts of my body. Works pretty well!