By TERRY TOMALIN
St. Petersburg Times Strength doesn't come from the arms, back, chest or even legs. It comes from the core. Every sport, from tennis to tae kwon do, relies on the major muscle rectus abdominis, better known as "the abs."
Other muscle groups -- the transversus abdominis and the internal and external obliques -- are commonly targeted in most ab exercises.
But the only way to get ab muscles to show is to remove the layer of fat they are hiding under.
-- A sound diet and cardiovascular exercise will help melt away those excess pounds.
Here are some workouts that will help put you on the road to rock-hard abs
The Bicycle Crunch:
This exercise is often cited by fitness professionals as the number one way to tighten and strengthen the rectus abdominis.
You can do it anywhere, for as long or short as you like, and see results.
Lie on your back, bring your hands to your head and bend your knees at a 45-degree angle.
Then alternate right elbow to left knee, left elbow to right knee, etc.
The Captain's Chair: Most gyms have one, yet this could be the most overlooked and seldom used piece of exercise equipment ever invented. But "the chair" is effective.
Just climb, grab the handles and slowly lift your knees to the chest, hold until you feel the burn, and repeat.
