9 Ridiculously Effective Exercises That Work Your Abs

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When it comes to strengthening your core you don’t need to work your abdominal muscles to complete exhaustion. Yep, you don’t have to be so hardcore when it comes to getting a hard core. By focusing on effective exercises (read: not performing mindless crunches or holding a plank for so long that good form is a concept versus a reality), you can see the abs results you’re after.

Of course, it takes both smart training and a healthy diet to develop a rock-solid core. But consider these nine bodyweight exercises lesson one. Core school is now in session. 

1. Side Plank With A Twist

  • Come into a forearm side plank on your left side with your left elbow resting on the floor below your shoulder.
  • Place your right arm behind your head.
  • Rotate your torso toward the floor, bringing your right elbow to meet your left hand. Don’t let your hips drop.
  • Return to start.

2. Mountain Climbers

  • Start in high plank and draw your right knee under your torso, keeping the toes off the ground.
  • Return your right foot to starting position.
  • Switch legs and bring your left knee under your chest. Keep switching legs as if you’re running in place.

3. Plank Up

  • Start in high plank. Bend one arm to bring the elbow and forearm to the floor.
  • Bring the other arm down so you are in a forearm plank.
  • Push back up to the start position, placing each hand where your elbows were.
  • Repeat this movement, alternating which side you lower first with each rep.

4. Front Lunge With A Twist

  • Start standing with feet hip-width apart.
  • Take a big step forward with right foot and bend knees to lower into lunge while twisting torso over right leg.
  • Return to standing. Alternate sides with each rep.

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Jasmine Bryant

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