Abs are a hot topic, especially six-pack abs, washboard abs, whatever you call 'em. You already know you have to do cardio and lift weights in order to slim down. However, effective ab workouts also help build strength and muscle and that strength translates to a well-supported spine. There are tons of videos out there and these are the best of the best, providing great workouts in less time.
1. Keli Roberts: Abs & More
This is by far my favorite ab video on the market. Yes, it's a few years old but Keli Roberts does everything right. The video includes 5 different workouts of increasing difficulty that target every part of the abs--the TVA, rectus abdominis, obliques and even the lower back. The workouts are short, intense and incorporate unique moves that will appeal to anyone sick and tired of crunches. A+
2. Abdominals & Back Pilates
Karen Voight is another great instructor and her video comes in at number two. Karen provides a unique ab workout based on pilates, providing a dynamic routine that incorporates other muscles too. This is a logical approach since our abs don't work independently from the rest of our body--it makes sense not to train them that way. Karen's cueing is flawless and the workout flies by.3. Abs of Steel 2000
Tamilee Webb has produced all kinds of videos, but her ab workouts are the best. Abs of Steel 2000 is a favorite of mine because there are 3 different ab workouts (led by 3 different instructors), all using unique moves that challenge all the muscles of the abdominals in a short period of time. Ignore the aerobic section at the beginning unless you need a warm up.4. The Firm 5 Day Abs
I'll be honest and say the The Firm videos are not my favorite, but I've enjoyed their ab videos for many years. These ab workouts are pieced together from different videos (using different instructors) and if you can ignore the leg warmers and the cheesy, porno-like music, you'll get an incredible workout. Like the videos above, these workouts are short and intense with unique exercises.
