This is a unique exercise that strengthens your whole body as well as your abs. The exercise recruits more of your muscles in your abs because it requires you to hold yourself up in the air while also moving your lower and upper limbs in a particular way. Though the movement focuses mostly on your abs, it also incorporates your entire body because you are supporting your body above the ground.
I love this exercise because it is unique. Though if you are looking to add this to your routine as part of your path for getting a tight stomach, you could do it 1,000 times every day and still not get the results you’re looking for. Food is a critical component for getting a ripped six pack. There’s a great video that shows Foods That Help You Burn Stomach Fat. I highly recommend checking it out.
How to do the Kissing Under The Arch Exercise:
Start off in a normal pushup position. Raise up your left arm and put this hand by your ear. Simultaneously raise up your right leg so it is even with your body. Bring your left elbow underneath you (while also keeping you hand by your ear) and touch the elbow to your right knee. Come back to starting position. After you come to fatigue on this side. Repeat the steps on your others side.
Muscle group worked:
Abs, whole body
Target Repetitions for Muscle Growth: 6-8
Target Repetitions for Muscle Tone/Endurance: 8-12
Why Kissing Under The Arch Exercise works:
This exercise works so well because of two reason. The first is that your stabilizer muscles are recruited to hold your body up. This puts extra work on much of your body including your abs. The second reason this exercise works so well is because your body is cross crunching. With the typical crunch, you go straight up. With this exercise your body is crunching at a diagonal. This effects the muscles in a unique way.
Tips:
Keep extra focus on your balance with this exercise. It is hard to maintain but the more you do it, the better you will get.
Important!:
Breath slow and stead throughout the exercise.
Disclaimer: Talk to your primary care physician before beginning any exercise regimen.
“This exercise works so well because of two reason.” should be “of two reasons”
“Breath slow and stead throughout the exercise.” should be “slow and steady