As spring approaches (at least I hope it is...) and everyone seems to be working on getting in shape for summer, I thought I’d focus my Friday post on one of my favorite muscle groups to work-- ABDOMINALS! Everyone wants a sexy stomach to look down come swimsuit season, but there is a lot of truth in the fact that summer flat stomachs are made in the winter. Now is the time to focus in on all those problem areas if you want to feel confident in the swimsuit dressing room.
In my experience, light weight exercises requiring not much more than your own body and an exercise mat are the most effective when sculpting abs. At most, I’ll use a 5 lb. weight for some exercises, but this is definitely one area where I do not advocate heavy weights, at least for girls aiming for a feminine look. Here’s a photo demo of my 5 go-to ab exercises that have yet to fail me in results!
ONE
Stand feet apart. One arm straight up and other by your side. Keep one foot turned out slightly. Slowly bend down toward that foot keeping the other arm straight up in the air (I do turn my wrist a little bit to keep my shoulder in line), then stand up again. Add light weights when you’re ready. Repeat 12 times for a set.
TWO
Stand feet apart with both hands straight out in front of you. Slowly twist to one side, back to center, to the other side, back to center, and so on. Add a light weight for increased effectiveness. Repeat 12 times for a set.
THREE
Begin in a side plank position, then lift your hips up and down. Keeping your balance can be a little tricky, but you will feel this in no time! Repeat 12 times for a set.
FOUR
Keep your abs activated the entire time with your hands by your sides and shoulders and heels lifted off of the floor. Pull your knees in and lift your upper body to “crunch in” and then straighten back out again. Some call these V-ups, but any true athlete knows that you’d have to keep your legs straight the whole time for that. ;) See if you can do 20! And don’t feel bad if you need to take breaks in between.
FIVE
Start on your back with legs straight out, sort of like how I began the previous exercise, except put your hands under your lower back for support. In this exercise, lift only your lower body with legs straight out in front of you, and then lower again. Never put your legs all the way down though to keep your abs engaged the entire time!
Of course, none of these exercises will show results if not done in conjunction with a healthy diet. Add these into your regular fitness routine, and I think you will see your stomach changing slowly and surely!
These are great - and clearly yield results!!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNo problem! I really feel like when I kill myself with heavy weight machine exercises my abs almost become bulkier. Keeping it simple is the way to go for me!
DeleteThanks for the tips! My abs definitely need some toning up before bikini season arrives! Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like them! It's nice bc you don't have to be in a gym to do it!
DeleteGreat exercises! I am gonna try them after my run today.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Let me know if you feel it tomorrow! ;)
DeleteI'm sore right now from doing the hip dips yesterday! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI know right?! I never feel it as much while I'm dong it, but the next day I'm always sore!
DeleteI totally use the same 3-5 but i am going to add one and two to my routine! Thanks for sharing! P.s I have the same yoga mat! :) Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteGlad you could find some new moves to fit into the routine!
DeleteThese are great :) I use some of these daily
ReplyDeleteI do 4 out of 5 of these too! Gotta love easy moves! :)
ReplyDeleteCan I get your stomach with those moves?! lol. You got it goin' on and I need a little of that for the honeymoon!
ReplyDeleteLol along with clean eating and cardio, YES! Though the diet kills me... hence I had pizza 2 days in a row! :)
DeleteThis is awesome! It needs to be saved & pinned like right now :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're so fit & healthy, thank you for being my fitness inspiration!
Puh-lease! YOU are the super fit one around here! But I'm glad we can inspire each other!
DeleteI just worked out for the first time in foreverrr today, and this is definitely inspiring me to continue! I love simple workouts like this, too...no need for a gym membership or fancy equipment!
ReplyDeleteYes! I get a better workout at the gym, but some days I just can't bring myself to get there!
DeleteI need this! I had a baby recently and thought I would be in better shape by swim time. I'm not headed in that direction, so I need a good ab work out!!! Thanks!
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