We don’t think it’s much of a stretch to say that every woman dreams of having radiant skin, lustrous hair and, of course, washboard-flat abs. Of these three things, however, getting a perfectly toned tummy is the toughest challenge. But fear not, ladies, as your guides for all things fabulous, we have the solution for you! Here’s our list of 6 not-too-hard, super-simple exercises for better abs that will help you get there in no time at all.
1. Abdominal Hold
This exercise sounds much more complicated than it actually is! Although it takes a bit of effort, it’s totally worth it. Here’s how to do it.
-
Step 1: Pull up a chair and sit.
-
Step 2: Place your hands at the edge of the chair, with your fingers pointing towards your knees.
-
Step 3: Here comes the main part: tighten your ab muscles and slowly lift your butt of the chair.
-
Step 4: Hold this position for about 10 seconds, then slowly return to your initial seating position.
-
Step 5: Repeat 15 times.
2. Plank Up
This exercise is very similar to push-ups. It not only tones your abs but also helps sculpt your butt as a bonus! But it needs practice and determination.
-
Step 1: Make sure that your body is placed in a push-up position. Which means, your body should be in a straight line from your head to your ankles. Your arms forearms, elbow to wrist, should be flat on the floor.
-
Step 2: Now, slowly lift your hips towards the ceiling, with your weight resting on your forearms (which stay on the floor), making sure that your back and legs stay straight.
-
Step 3: Stay in this position for 30 seconds (or less, depending how well you’re able to balance your weight), then return to the starting position.
-
Step 4: Repeat the exercise 15 times!
3. Medicine Ball Sit-Up
For those who didn’t know, a medicine ball is a hard rubber ball. It is often used during workout sessions to make an exercise more challenging. In this exercise, we recommend you use a medicine ball while you do your regular sit-ups for some extra effect.
-
Step 1: Lie on your back on a yoga mat, keeping your knees slightly bent.
-
Step 2: Hold the medicine balance parallel your chest.
-
Step 3: Then, curl your body into a seated position, and extend the ball out from the chest until your arms are fully stretched.
-
Step 4: Keep focus and determination while balancing the ball.
-
Step 5: Slowly bring the medicine ball back to the chest and return to initial position.
-
Step 6: Repeat 15 times.
4. Pilates Small Leg Circle Exercise
This exercise not shapes not one aspect of your body but five! It helps sculpt your butt, calves, legs, obliques and abs. Here’s how to do it properly.
-
Step 1: Lie down on the yoga mat keeping your spine straight.
-
Step 2: Raise both legs above the ground. Then slowly raise the second one a bit higher.
-
Step 3: Once your leg is 90 degrees to the floor, slowly start making circles in the air with it.
-
Step 4: Make sure the circles are small and are moving clockwise.
-
Step 5: After completing the exercise with one leg, move to the next one.
-
Step 6: Repeat the exercise 10 times for each leg.
5. Bicycle
The bicycle exercise strengthens your core, abs and thigh muscles and improves your stamina. Keep doing this exercise regularly, and you’ll get those perfect abs in no time!
-
Step 1: Lie down on the mat. Once you’re in a sleeping position, place your hands behind your head.
-
Step 2: Pull your left knee up closer to your chest, and lift your shoulder blades off the floor.
-
Step 3: In this position, extend your right elbow to touch your left knee (your right leg should remain straight). Hold the position for a count of 3.
-
Step 4: Return to your starting position. Then repeat the exercise with your other leg – your left elbow should now be touching your right knee.
-
Step 5: Alternate between sides in a pedalling motion.
-
Step 6: Repeat the exercise for 15 times for each leg.
6. Exercise Ball Crunch
Like the medicine ball, the exercise ball too does wonders for your abs. The main focus here is balance. The exercise ball crunch requires balance and fast reflexes. Here’s how to nail it.
-
Step 1: Lie on the ball on your back.
-
Step 2: Place your arms behind your head as you would for a regular crunch. You shouldn’t be holding your head – your hands should be resting gently behind it.
-
Step 3: Contract your ab muscles and lift your head and shoulders off the ball while your butt stays on it. Hold for 3 seconds.
-
Step 4: Return to the initial position. Make sure that the ball is stable and does not roll over!
-
Step 5: Repeat the exercise 15 times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjKoIeEOXaE
Now that you know what you gotta do, what are you waiting for? Go work it, girlfriend!
MUST-READ: 5 Simple Exercises for a Better Butt
MUST-READ: 10 Really Cool Benefits of Exercising (Other Than Weight Loss!)