Abs Exercises

As we move into the spring months, those who made New Year’s resolutions to get into shape should be well into their weight loss goals. If you are one of these people, you’ve probably discovered that your core is the hardest thing to work out. Don’t get discouraged!

READ: Abs Are Made In The Kitchen

There are a few simple workouts that you can do in the gym or at home that will help shape up your midsection in no time. But remember, it will take dedication and hard work. Check out these four exercises to get those abs tight!

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Planks

This exercise requires you to hold your body weight up by engaging your core muscles while in a plank position. Perform this position by extending your legs behind you (similar to a push up position), resting your weight on your forearms. Hold this position for 30 seconds, rest for 15 seconds, then repeat four more times.

Leg Lifts

Leg lifts help to tighten the muscles in the lower abdominal region, which is typically a trouble spot for many. They can be done seated on the edge of a chair or a workout bench, or they can be performed while lying on your back on a yoga mat.

Seated: Extend your legs out in front of you while sitting on the edge of your seat as you lean back slightly, place your hands on the sides of your seat near the base of your thighs and bring your legs toward your chest making sure to extend them back out in front of you without touching the floor. That counts as one movement. You can do 12 of those movements before resting for 30 seconds and continue the motions to do a total of four sets.
Lying Down: Extend your legs out in front of you and bring them up into the air and towards your chest while placed close together and lower them again to tap the floor. That entire movement counts as one rep. Do 12 reps before resting for 30 seconds and repeat for a total of four sets.

READ: Sexy Abs: 9 Non-Gym Things You Need To Do Every Day

Crunches

Crunches are the typical abs workout people turn to for getting their core in shape, but these crunches are done a little differently. Instead of placing the hands behind the head while lying on your back, bring your hands together and reach between your knees as if you are reaching for something beyond them. Make sure to bring your shoulders off of the floor, but keep your belly button pulled into your spine to give your core the ultimate contraction. Every time you reach up and through your legs past your knees, count that movement as one crunch and do 20 of them before resting for 30 seconds. Repeat three more times to complete four sets in total.

Core Twists

Core twists are great for cinching the waist and working the obliques to prevent those annoying love handles from developing. To perform this exercise, sit on the floor with your knees bent and lean back slightly to engage your abs. Take a weighted medicine ball in your hands and twist from side to side, making sure the ball touches the floor each time. Tap the floor 20 times, rest for 30 seconds and do three more sets for a total of four sets.

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4 Easy Moves To Keep Abs Tight was originally published on blackdoctor.org