Looking for ab training tools to use at home? There are lots of DVDs and books on the market. Here are a few:
“Beautiful Belly,” with Hemalayaa. This Acacia release features giggly yoga princess Hemalayaa in three workouts that run about 12 minutes each (which can be combined into one long session). This is a basic yoga workout with a few abdominal exercises added for good measure. Her presentation makes it fun, though it must be itchy working out on that oriental carpet.
“Creative Core & Lower Body,” with Shiva Rea. Also from Acacia, this is a tough workout that uses the “yogic squat” position (feet pointed out, hips lowered parallel to the ground) as the basis for a core-focused routine. A “challenging for all levels” type of presenter, Rea is one of those contortionist yogis who leave you feeling as flexible as a slab of concrete. The trick is to do what you can without shredding any ligaments.
“Core Rhythms,” from Dance Sport videos. This four-DVD set uses club and Latin dance moves that are focused on the hips. The Washington Post’s Rebekah Davis gave this a thumbs-up for anyone who likes dance; it’s simple enough for beginners but adaptable to those who are more advanced. It does not include traditional ab exercises per se but counts on the dance sequences to use those muscles.
“The Big Book of Abs,” from Muscle & Fitness magazine. This compendium of abdominal exercises also includes advice on how to put together an ab exercise routine and what exercises to avoid. This is a good resource, though the hard-core bodybuilding tone (think supplements and crazy diet advice) might be annoying for those who simply want to stay in shape.
American Council on Exercise. The training certification group published a pamphlet a few years ago that explained standard mat exercises and discussed which ones were most effective. It is available online at AbExercises.pdf.
