When it comes to the number one area that the vast majority of people want to tighten and tone, most will agree that it is their ab region. Unfortunately, when you are clueless as to what exercises are actually successful in working your abs, you are doing little more than exerting unnecessary amounts of energy. This article provides you with an insight regarding a total Ab workout.
With that being said, here are the top rated ab exercises that not only will give you the killer abs you have been seeking, but are also totally equipment free and can be done in the comfort of your own home!
Before you begin, it is essential to warm up your body. Take ten minutes to kick-start your body. You can take a walk, go for a light job, hit the stationary bike, even jump rope, anything to warm up your muscles for a great workout!
For max results, be sure to complete this set 3 times and take a 60 second breather in between sets.
Knee Hugs
Sit down with your knees bent, hug your knees to your body and lift your feet off of the ground. Open your arms and extend your legs out to a 45* angle and lean your body back. Lift your torso, bend your knees and return to your starting position. Repeat for 45 seconds.
Reverse Bridge
Begin by lying face-up with your knees bent and feet flat. Squeeze your butt to lift hips off floor as high as you can. Then lower your hips to floor, lift them up off floor and bring your knees in towards chest. Return to start and repeat for a set of 15 reps.
The Dolphin
Begin in plank position supported on forearms with hands clasped in front of you and your heels lifted. Bend your left knee and pull the left leg in towards chest as you start to lift hips up towards the ceiling. Return to start and then repeat on right side to complete one rep. Repeat for a set of 10 reps.
Side Sit Kick
Begin by sitting with your knees pulled into your chest, your hands on your shins, and your feet flexed lifted slightly off of the floor. Start to roll your body onto your right hip and brace yourself with both of your hands, as you start to extend your legs to left. Return to the starting position and repeat the same move on your left side to complete one rep. Repeat for a set of 15 reps.
Waist Slasher
Start by lying on your right side, with your legs stacked, your right knee bent and your left leg straight. Keep your head on floor and your elbows bent in front with left hand cupped over right fist. Keep your arms stiff and begin to push off of your right arm to lift your torso, left elbow and left leg upwards as high as you can. Gently return to the starting position and repeat for a set of 15 reps. Next, switch sides and again repeat for a set of 15 reps.
In addition to completing this super fun, equipment-free set of ab exercise, be sure to maintain a healthy diet that is packed with protein and healthy fruits and veggies. You will never be able to see your abs if you don’t train your body from the inside out! And always ensure that you are fueling your body with ample amounts of water to keep you fuller and more hydrated for extended periods both before and after your workout, as well as throughout your day!
Amy Koller
Amy Koller is a published freelance writer and blogger, punk rock drummer, wife to her crazy talented guitarist husband (they love rocking out together!), and supermom. The vast majority of her writing experience is dedicated to healthy living, martial arts, yoga, and all things related to parenting and mommyhood. Amy dedicates her love of blogging to inspire others to take on the belief that fitness has nothing to do with having the thinnest body around. It is a life-changing experience for the better and grants one the ability to feel that they are finally in control of their lives, even when it feels as if they have little left to hold on to. This thought process has transformed Amy’s own life, as well as her family’s. She seeks to help others in their journey to health and freedom too. She is also passionate about history (particularly military history) and has her B.A. in Cultural Anthropology with an emphasis on Archaeology.
