Everyone wants a flat stomach. They can deny it and say they’re perfectly comfortable with a little bulge, but deep down, it’s all about the flat stomach.
And, really, working out the tummy is actually very important, and not just for bikini season. Having a strong core helps support the back and the spinal cord, which are essential for living a mobile life.
Thankfully, there are a few easy exercises that can be done that will help tone and strengthen the stomach area.
1. Sitting Tuck
This is a great variation on the crunch that doesn’t require you to be flat on your back. Sit up straight and support yourself by placing your hands on the floor. Keep your knees bent and a few inches apart.
If you have a small child’s ball, it can be put between the knees for better support. Then, bring your body together by lifting your knees towards your chest and your arms towards your toes. Keep your back straight during all of this to get the proper effect!
2. Crunches
Oh, the dreaded crunch. Many who exercise have tried to find a way to avoid doing this move, even though it’s extremely effective. But, if you get tired of the same old crunches, there are a few variations that can spice up the routine.
Side crunches involve bracing yourself on one knee and elbow and straightening and pulling the opposite leg.
Vertical crunches are when you do regular crunches, but with your legs straight up. Criss-cross crunches are crunches where the legs move up and down like scissors.
3. Planks
Planks are amazing, whole body exercises, but they’re especially great for the tummy. And, just like crunches, there are several variations.
A regular plank is placing the forearms in the shape of a V beneath the body and holding the body up on the toes. Bracing here is enough to get a good workout.
But, if you want to do more, you can pull up the legs to do plank crunches. Or do sideways planks, leaning on one elbow and keep the body upright.
4. Pikes
Pikes are like planks, but involve moving the legs back and forth. One of the most fun ways to do these is on a tiled or wood floor. Wearing socks or bracing your feet on a towel, slide your legs towards your hands. It’s like a little slide for your feet.
5. V Ups
A v-up is similar to a sit up, except it gets the entire body involved. Lying flat on your back, place your arms straight behind your head.
Once in this position, keeping your knees straight, sit up, almost like you’re trying to touch your toes. Make sure to keep looking straight ahead, so you don’t strain your neck, and keep your butt on the ground.
[Also Read: 7 Best Ways to Get Rid of Belly Fat and Flatten Your Tummy]
While each of these exercises offer great benefits, they work best when used together. Combining several, or even all, of these exercises will make sure you get the tummy you want, faster.
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