5 EXERCISES TO WORK YOUR ABS(10 minutes)

I can only speak for myself, but I know there is no worse feeling than that of being bloated or flabby. When I skip the gym for a while, and carb-binge, I notice the difference in my stomach right away. My stomach fluctuates, depending on how much cheese and bread I’m eating.

The best part about abs is that you can use them to trick people. If your stomach is ripped, you can have thicker thighs or arms and get away with it. Its almost as though the eyes go straight to the abs. Work on your abs, and the rest will follow!

Like with anything in life, you have to be consistent. Consistency is key. You can’t do one intense ab class and expect to see a difference. Especially if you aren’t watching what you eat.

Exercise should be a routine, and second nature. Abs are an exceptionally easy exercise because you don’t need equipment or a gym. You can squeeze in crunches anywhere. Take 10 minutes from your day to lay on the floor and do these basic exercises that will keep your stomach looking the way you want it to.

Bicycle Crunches

Reps: 1 minute
Tip: Keep your core tight as you touch your elbows to your knee. Look in the direction that you are going, and make sure your head follows.

Russian Twists

Weight: 10 lbs
Reps: 4 sets of 20
Tip: This is the best exercise for achieving a smaller waist. This sucks in your obliques and gives you an hour glass shape.

Leg Kicks

Weight: 10 lbs
Reps: 50 (25 each leg)
Tip: This directly targets the lower abs, which is the hardest place to tone. It is important that you keep your core strong while lowering each leg. Use the weight for balance and for an extra challenge.

Scissors

– Lie flat on your back. Extend your arms so they’re against the sides of your body with your palms pressing into the floor, or bend your elbows and place your palms under the back of your head.

– Bend your knees and draw them into your ribs. This will make it easier to pull your navel in toward your spine and actively press your lower back flat on the ground.

– Lift both legs straight up toward the ceiling, continuing to engage your abs and pressing your lower back into the ground.

– Keeping your core strong, slowly lower your right leg down toward the ground until it is a few inches above. Then slowly scissor your legs, lifting your right leg back up as you lower your left leg down toward the ground.

Reps: 50 (25 each leg)

Combining crunches & bicycle crunches

Step by step bicycle crunch guide:
– Lie flat on the floor, lower back pressed to the ground. Make sure you pull your navel in to target the deep abs too.
– Put your hands behind your head. Then, bring your knees in toward your chest and lift the shoulder blades off the ground. Also, make sure not to pull on your neck.
– Now, straighten your left leg out to a 45-degree angle to the floor, while at the same time turning your upper body to the right and bringing the left elbow toward the right knee.

– Make sure your rib cage is also moving, not just the elbows.
– Do the same thing on the opposite side to finish one rep.

Speed is no the name of this game. So, go slowly, focus on your form and the breathing. You should also know that it’s not necessary to touch the elbows and knees, as this could cause strain in the neck. Go as much as you can.

Reps: 3 sets of 10 (15 each side)