Tummy Trouble? Tired of Crunches?
Believe it or not, you don’t have to waste your time on the floor doing those horrible things called crunches. In fact, they don’t even really help your abs. Read these simple, easy to stick to ab exercises for a flatter, leaner mid-section.
No one wants to do crunches, you know, the ones we did in Jr. High gym class? How many you can do in one minute. Yuck. Those days are gone (thank goodness). Now we have more advanced and actually easier to stick to ab routines and excercises. I have found that these work the best for me. Now, keep in mind, not everyone has the same body type or the same fitness level, however these can be done by practically anyone of any shape or size who wants to tighten and tone their mid-section. I have 4 children and a flat stomach, so I know they work.
Plank crossovers. For those of you who don’t know what a plank is, get to know that word. A plank (position) is like being in a push up position but with your shoulders straight above your hands. Make sure you spread your fingers out for a more balanced position. Hold this plank position and bring your left knee in towards your right elbow, then do the right knee towards the left etc. Do this 10 times for each side, then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Trust me, you will feel this!
Leg raises. For those hard to reach lower abs (you know, your bikini line area), I find it best to lie on your back, place your hands under your butt (that gives you a little more room for extention). Raise both legs to a 45 degree angle, feet pointed, hold for 2 seconds, then lower (never letting them touch the floor). Do this 10 times with a 10 second rest in between sets (I count by 2’s for my rest).
Bicycles. For your overall ab health. For this excercise (again lie on your back, hands under your butt). Bring out 1 leg at a time with your toe pointed, switch legs, going right left right left (you get the idea, like you’re riding a bike). 10 times and 10 sets. Do you see a pattern here in my way of doing things? 10 will be your new favorite number!
Of course eating a sensible diet and incorporating some cardio in your routine will help you along your journey, try these ab blasting excercises as well. If I can have 4 kids (2 being twins) and a flat stomach, I must be doing something right.
Enjoy!
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