Ab Roller - Barbell

Recommendations: 1-3 Sets, 10-15 Reps

Intermediate Abdominals Shoulders Strength Barbell Pull Compound Gym

Purpose: This exercise strengthens the abdominal muscles.

Benefits: This exercise will give you a well-defined mid-section.

Get into a push up position on the floor, placing your hands on an Olympic barbell with 5-10 pounds on each end. Your back should be parallel to the floor. This is the starting position. Keep a slight arch to your back. Lift your hips and slowly roll the barbell towards your feet, while exhaling. Your glutes will raise up, your abs should be kept tight. Your arms should remain perpendicular to the floor throughout the movement. Pause briefly at the end of the movement. Slowly roll the barbell back to the starting position while inhaling. Your body will stretch into a prone position. Do not let your chest touch the floor. Inhale during this movement. Pause briefly. Repeat for the required number of repetitions.

The abs can be divided into the abdominals themselves and the obliques. The obliques are the outer abs and are used in twisting movements. For the sake of exercising, the abdominals are sometimes divided into upper abs and lower abs (this is not a technical division but something for exercising). Both upper and lower abs are used in straight line ab exercises while the upper abs are also involved in twisting movements.