Happy first day of Spring! That means summer is just around the corner (woohoo!!). Don’t get caught in the last minute ‘aaaahhhh I have a jello stomach, must begin starvation diet immediately’ panic. Be prepared, starting with these tough ab rippers. Please do them carefully as they are pretty intense. If you have lower back problems or are experiencing back pain while doing these exercises, stop immediately.
1. Stability Ball Piques
Starting Position: From a push up position, place your feet on the ball. Keep your arms straight and your abs pulled in.
Form: Keeping your abs engaged and your legs straight, move your hips up towards the ceiling. Hold for 1 second, and then slowly return to the starting position. The further you roll out the harder it is. Keep the back straight, do not let it arch.
2. Core Board Plank Twists With Knee Raises
Starting Position: Hold core board with hands and step back into plank position.
Form: Twist the core board to the right and bring your left knee towards your right elbow and towards your chest, with your leg straight or bent. Hold for a second and repeat on the other side.
3. Cable Pull-Downs
Starting Position: Kneel down facing away from the resistance, hold the cable above your head, using a rope attachment or handles for grip, with your hands at the sides of your head and your elbows tucked close to your body.
Form: Keeping your arms stationary, use your ab muscles to pull your chest towards the floor. Curl your spine forward and down as you pull in your abs. Once you’ve curled your body as far as it will go, hold for 1 second and then very slowly return to the starting position.
4. Side Bends On The 45 Degree Slant Board
Starting Position: Turn sideways on the 45 degree board and plant your feet so they are secure against the supports at the bottom of the machine.
Form: With your top hand on your hip and your bottom hand pointing towards the floor, slowly bend towards the floor allowing your bottom hand to reach towards the floor, hold at the bottom then return to starting position slowly. If this is too easy add a weight to your bottom hand.
The best way to get great abs is to mix up your routine, leave us a comment on which exercises give you the ab burn!
What goes better with toned abs than glowing skin, check out the top foods for amazing skin and our recipe to combine them.
