5 Ab Exercises to Slim Your Waist

5 Ab Exercises to Slim Your Waist

Still, sitting there wishing for washboard abs? 

If you are, then you need to know that traditional crunches are BAD news.

The most effective ab exercises target your core as a whole –which helps prevent lower back pain, increases your agility, and, of course, makes you look fantastic!

In your new ab routine, focus on quality, not quantity. 

Even just 12 concentrated movements are WAY more effective than hundreds of old-fashioned crunches. 

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Here are 5 killer core exercises for a flatter stomach:

1) Plank:

A simple plank is one of the most effective ways to tighten your entire core, but proper form is imperative. 

Keep your back flat and your belly button pulled in toward your spine. 

Lie face down, resting on your forearms, with your palms flat on the floor. 

Push off the floor, raising onto your toes and resting on your elbows. Keep your back completely flat from head to heels. 

Contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air or sagging down in the middle. 

2) Mountain Climbers:

A vigorous variation of a standard plank kicks the core tightening up a few notches. 

Put your hands wider than shoulder-width apart on the ground, and in a push-up position. Bring one knee up to your chest and then back to the starting position. 

Alternate each leg quickly, and feel the burn!

3) Russian Twist:

By holding a medicine ball or a light dumbbell in your hands, the Russian Twists become even more effective. 

Sit on the floor with knees bent like in a sit-up position. Keep your feet together, and raise them slightly off the floor. Keep your torso straight and your back off the ground at a 45 degree angle. 

Hold your medicine ball or dumbbell with both hands and swing your arms from one side to another in a twisting motion. 

Move slowly to make this exercise even tougher. 

4) Knee Tucks:

Lower abs typically need the most work of all, so give them the attention they need with Knee Tucks. 

Start on your back and bend your knees with your feet on the floor while keeping your knees touching. 

Extend your arms overhead on either side of your ears with your palms facing up. Exhale and bring your knees up towards your chest. 

Slowly lower your hips back down to the starting position. 

5) Side Bridges:

Another variation of the plank, Side Bridges, are way more challenging than they appear at first glance.

Put your feet and legs together, and lie on your right side. Place your right arm under your body, tighten your core, and lift your upper body so that your right elbow is directly underneath your shoulder.

 Keep your left hand resting on your left hip. 

From this position, slowly raise your hips from the ground until you form a straight line from your ankles to your head. 

Hold the position for a moment, then slowly return down to the starting position to repeat.

Flatten Your Belly and Boost Your Metabolism With Our FREE 21 Day Home Workout Challenge

Even the best exercise routine in the world is a complete waste if you throw away your results with sloppy eating. 

Always remember to keep your meals lean by removing processed carbs, packaged foods or fried items from your diet.

Fill up on lean proteins and fresh vegetables and reward yourself with organic, seasonal fruit. As your wellness coach, I'll help you zero-in on the best strategies, exercises, and foods to incorporate into your personalized wellness routine to make sure you completely knock your goals out of the park!