Fitness:Abdominal workouts

* Lie on back with knees bent.
* Feet flat on the floor close to the buttocks, or raised up on a bench.
* Avoid having the feet held down, unless you want to work your Hip Flexor muscles.
* No jerking or twisting movements for beginners.
* Breathe comfortably throughout the exercise.
* Commence curls with the shoulders, then the upper back and finally the lower back.
* Bring the torso up no more than 30 degrees; hold momentarily then lower the torso.
* Clasp hands behind the neck just to support the weight of the head.
* Don't pull on your head when doing the exercise.
* Keep your chin off your chest, aim to keep your upper spine straight (neutral).
* Warm up your stomach muscles with easy stomach exercises, before you advance.
* Finish off by stretching out the abdominals.
* By doing some dorsal raises, this will help stretch out your abdominals.
* If you have use of an abdominal exerciser, this will help give you the correct position.