Many people who exercise regularly and perform some basic ab exercises as a part of their program become frustrated with their inability to get ripped abs

Many people who exercise regularly and perform some basic ab exercises as a part of their program become frustrated with their inability to get ripped abs. However, simply doing crunches as a part of an exercise regimen is not enough. Obviously, a proper low fat and low calorie diet plays as much of a role as does a calorie and fat burning workout. And, as your body gets used to a particular exercise routine, you need to increase the difficulty in order to get your muscles to respond. Here are some advanced ab exercises that can help you to reach that common goal of getting ripped abs. As always, you should consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

One exercise that can build on your regular crunches is called the double crunch. To perform this exercise, lie back onto the floor with knees bent and hands at your temples. Keep your elbows back and out of sight and your knees bent at about 90 degrees. Lead with your chin and chest towards the ceiling, and contract the ab muscles while raising your shoulders off the floor. As you are doing this crunch, also bring your knees toward your chest. Return to the starting position and repeat. This is a great exercise that can help you get ripped abs when done properly.

Another great exercise to help get ripped abs is the side bridge. To begin this exercise, lie on your right side and press up with your right arm until it is fully extended. Extend your left arm straight into the air and form a bridge. Hold the position for 10 seconds, and gradually build up to 30 seconds as you get used to the exercise. Doing 3 or 4 sets of this exercise is a fantastic way to trim those love handles and get ripped abs.

If you are familiar with doing the plank exercise, plank supermans can be a wonderful way to increase the difficulty of the exercise and get ripped abs in the process. Begin the exercise in the regular plank position. While holding that position, raise your right arm and left leg off the ground so that you are holding your body up with your left arm and right leg. Return to the starting position and repeat with the movement raising your left arm and right leg off the ground. Hold each lift for a full 1 or 2 second count, and repeat for a certain number of repetitions. Begin with 20 and progress from there