Working your abs should be a part of every workout routine. They will require more concentrated effort than other muscle groups, so your choice of exercises should be planned accordingly. Unlike other muscles such as the arms, your abs aren't used in every exercise, so you will have to set aside some time in your routine to focus directly on them. A lower ab work out routine should be done 1-2 times per week and included with your other exercises.

There are several exercises you can include in your ab workout. Some of the more popular ones are hanging leg raises, sit ups and lying leg raises. How you incorporate them into your routine depends on your fitness levels and stamina, if you are in any doubt then you should always seek the advice of a professional medical person before you begin any new exercise routine.

So, let's take a look at the popular lower ab work out exercises in more detail:

Hanging Leg Raise - This is a very popular exercise because it gets results. It's a great exercise and allows you to focus precisely on the lower abs. You can perform it on a lat pull up bar or alternatively on a parallel bar apparatus. Once you are hanging, you then raise your legs by bending your knees slightly. You should aim to get your feet up to the same level as your waist. Hold the position for 2-3 seconds, then lower down slowly. You should do approximately 15 reps per set.

Sit Ups - Sit ups are one of the most popular exercises for flattening the stomach of all time. It is very easy to perform, just lie on your back and lift up your upper body so that you sit upright. Then lower yourself back down to horizontal position again. You should do the same amount of reps as hanging leg raises. Breathe in as you crunch your stomach muscles and out again as you lower yourself. For a more intense sit up, you could try an incline sit up, on either an incline bench or by raising your legs as you crunch.

Lying Leg Raises - To do this exercise, you lie flat on your back and lift your legs up so that your feet are off the ground. Hold the position for a few seconds, then lower your legs back down to the floor again. You can alternate the legs and do them one by one if you prefer.

So there are many exercises you can incorporate into your lower ab work out. Just remember to take your time on each exercise and perform them correctly.