A proper lower abs workout is what separates good abs from great abs. Everyone is looking for 6 pack abs as part of a healthy and trim physique. While developing 6 pack abs is a terrific goal, you can go a bit farther with 8 pack abs as well. Here is how that is accomplished.

Various Leg Raises Are the "Holy Grail" of Ripped Abs!

Nothing will create a hard washboard stomach like leg raises. Crunches don't even come close. To be honest, I don't know exactly when folks just forgot about exercises involving leg raises, but they need to be the absolute foundation of any ab workout. You'll discover it is the best lower abs workout there is. This is the best way to get ultra-strong contractions in your abs, which is the goal to etch out ab definition.

Ever stopped to look at what goes on in a prison yard?

I have never seen a prison yard live in person, but I have noticed that convicts have some of the most ripped physiques known to man. An author named Paul Wade, who has written a book named "Convict Conditioning," talks about guys who are locked up for long periods of time tend to use hanging leg raise as their exclusive ab exercise. When men are hanging with their leg straight and are able to do 4 to 5 sets of 15-20 hanging leg raises, they will usually have amazing abs as their reward.

Mastering hanging leg raises are a vital part of your ab workout.

Not only are these ideal for a lower abs workout, but they will also help you strengthen the entire abdominal area. Since you are hanging from a bar, you will develop the detail muscles of the midsection as well. However, you should begin slowly and then work your way up to hanging leg raises. It's never a good idea to move up to a tougher exercise till you have completely mastered the first one. It only requires 4 to 5 sets done 2 times a week to help you turn your abs into lean, attractive muscles.

1) Lying Leg Raises 5 x 20: Laying on a padded mat, lift your legs so your feet are aligned over your hips. Slowly lower your legs so that your feet almost hit the ground. Slowly bring your legs back up above your hips and then repeat the movements. Work up to 4 sets of 20 reps. If you find this too hard to start out with, try bending your knees at a 90 degree angle to start with and then work up to straightening your legs and lifting. Be prepared, because no matter how strong you become doing these, your lower abs will be screaming by the 4th and 5th sets!

2) Hanging Knee Ups 4 X 20: Grab an overhead bar and slowly raise your knees until your upper legs break a 90 degree angle. Lower your knees back down. Your hip flexors are where you will really feel this exercise. And your grip might be weak. Wrist wraps can be tempting but they should not be used if you want this exercise to help you strengthen your forearms.

3) Hanging Leg Raises 4 X 20: Grab an overhead bar and with your legs straight or knees slightly bent raise your legs until you break a 90 degree angle with your body and legs. Make sure to take time to stretch your hamstrings out before starting this exercise if they seem tight. The key to this exercise is doing it in a controlled and slow manner. Probably less than 1% of the people who regularly attend a gym will have abs that are strong enough to do these exercises properly. Mastering the first exercise of lifting your legs when they are bent to almost 90 degrees can help you with the other exercises. As you hold your legs straighter, this will become more difficult.

You have the ability to become the "Master of the Leg Raise" for the 8 Pack Abs!

Needless to say, you'll need to make sure your body fat levels are low enough to show off your abs. Stick to diet, get your body fat level down low, and become a master the best ab exercise on the planet. If you're looking for a fast track to those 8 pack abs, this is it! No need to look further. Simply adding 4-5 sets of hanging leg raises will ensure you are following a great lower abs workout.