The image of perfect abs is something many strive towards, and it can be a tough ride gaining them. There are so many workouts all claiming to be the quickest ways to a solid six pack or flat stomach. The key is the right blend of exercise; one that burns fat while strengthening the abdominal muscles, which each of these routines can help do.
Planks
Core exercise can come in many shapes and forms, and doing anything to help strengthen it is definitely a way to get a flatter belly.
Start in the press up position, bending your elbows so that you that your forearm touches the ground. Then place all of your weight onto your forearms, keeping the back straight from the shoulders to the ankles. The suck your belly into your spine to engage the core holding everything in place so nothing is sagging.
Doing this for 30-60 seconds is a great place to star, though some may struggle to even hit those times, so try doing I for as long as possible until you can manage these times, and repeat for several sets.
There are many variants of this, such as the side plank and single leg plank. These are all more difficult yet work the abdominal muscles even better. The more planks you try the longer you can go, then the better your stomach will get.
Two in One Crunch
This will work both the abs and oblique’s, and you will need a medicine ball or dumbbell weights. Start by crossing your lower legs and then raising them, making sure that the thighs are forming a V shape with your torso.
Hold the medicine ball or weight in between both hands, then swivel left to right whilst maintaining the V shape, moving the ball or weight across the body.
Aim for 3 sets of 15 reps, and try to do this 3 or 4 times a week for maximum results.
Bridge Opposite Arm-Leg Reach
This quick routine will having the pounds fall off the waistline in no time. Start by lying on the ground, with left foot flat on the floor and your knee bent. You will want your opposite right leg to be reaching upwards being fully extended. The left arm should then reach towards the ceiling whilst he right remains by your side.
Then move the upwards leg to the right, and the arm to the left. Do this without moving your hips or shoulders. Maintaining concentrating on your abs, bring the arm and leg back towards the centre, while still keeping them extended.
Do around 10 to 12 reps of this before switching sides, changing each arm and leg.
Mixing up these type of workouts throughout the week will ensure that you abs are getting some serious workouts done. After a few weeks of this, you will notice your core strengthening and the workouts will become easier – simply add more to them! In no time you will have the stomach of your dreams.
