Healthy core muscles are essential in providing a link between your upper and lower body. Practically every motion your body goes through is conducted through your abdominal section due to the body’s need for stability and balance. Along with the intake of vitamins and antioxidants, a proper workout regime is the key component to losing the gut and sculpting perfect washboard abs.
When you think of improving your abs, typically simple crunches and sit-ups spring to mind. Though minor improvement can arise from these standard exercises, they’re often executed poorly, resulting in lower back pain as well as little progress in strengthening the muscles. Instead, here is a list of six quick and easy exercises to build your abs and see results.
Bicycle exercise
This is a quick activity that requires no machinery. First lie flat on a mat, face up, with your hands behind the back of your head. Bring your right knee up to your chest while lifting your shoulder blades up, tilting them to the right side of your body. Do the same with your left leg while shifting your shoulders to the opposite side, and continue the process with your legs simulating a pedaling motion. Do 3 sets of 15 pedals to start to feel the burn.
Ball crunches
Position an exercise ball under your lower back with both feet flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart. Cross your arms over your chest and raise your torso off the ball, dragging your ribs down to your hips. Descend back to the ball and repeat the motion. Speed isn’t a factor with this exercise, so take your time and work out multiple reps of 10 for a few minutes
Vertical leg crunches
Here’s another workout you can do in any location. Lie on your back and extend your legs vertically, crossing them at the ankles. With your hands supporting the back of your head, lift your shoulders up toward your feet, holding that position for a few seconds and then release your chest back to resting posture while keeping your legs raised. Repeat the exercise, completing 4 sets of 15 crunches.
Ab-rolls
If you have access to an Ab-roller machine, this is a great exercise to do. To start, sit on the seat and grab both handles. Rock back and forth, making sure to move your body by contracting your abs, rather than swinging your body for momentum. Do three sets of 12 to 15 reps.
Reverse crunch
Lie back on the floor, placing your hands at your waist. With your feet together, raise them in the air until your body is positioned at 90 degrees. Contract your abs as you lift your legs so your hips curl up a few inches from the floor. Avoid simply swinging your legs upwards and focus on the lifting aspect of the exercise. You’ll especially feel the burn in the lower section of your abs with this exercise. For a good conditioning, do three sets of 15.
Plank
Put yourself into a pushup position, resting on your forearms. Push off the floor with your toes, resting on your elbows and hold that posture for 30 to 60 seconds. Keep your back flat and don’t let your rear tilt up in the air. Do three to five reps.
These are a number of quick and simple workouts constructed to strengthen your inner core muscles. Sturdy abdominal muscles are the secret to making all those hours bending over at work or at home much more comfortable. Merely doing a few of these exercises every day will provide the toning you need to finally attain that six-pack you’ve been dreaming of.
