Six of the best abdominal workouts for a flat tummy
Want to know the hottest tips for a flat tummy? There’s not a sit up or a crunch in sight with these compound moves that focus on burning lots of calories (so you can get rid of any excess fat that’s lurking around your mid-section) and developing a strong core. Here’s the six best abs workout exercises we’ve found:
Mountain climbers
Mountain climbers are a great cardio exercise that will quickly elevate your heart rate while strengthening your core and working your back, legs and arms.
Start in a full push-up position with your palms on the floor underneath your shoulders and your legs extended out behind you. Your body should be straight.
Now make like you are running in that position – first bend your right leg and bring it toward your chest then straighten and repeat on the other leg. Keep you hips and buttocks low and keep going for 60 seconds.
Leg raises
Leg lifts are an excellent exercise for your lower abs and waist and you can even do them while you’re watching TV! Lie on your back with your legs out straight and place your hands, palms down either on the floor beside you or under your buttocks (this will help if you have any lower back issues).
Exhale and raise your legs slowly off the ground and up towards the ceiling, keeping them as straight as possible and pointing your toes. Lower your legs, going super slow until they are hovering just above the ground and then repeat. Try for 20 reps and repeat 3 times. Definitely one of the best ab exercises to incorporate in your workout several times a week!
Kettlebell swings
These kettlebell swings give you maximum results super fast! The strength and cardio workout can burn more calories than many other exercises, and works your core abdominal muscles while also targeting hamstrings, lower back, glutes and calves.
To perform the exercise, just lift the kettlebell off the ground with both hands and stand with your feet apart. Now bend your knees and swing the kettlebell between your legs, keeping your back flat and your knees bent. Drive your hips forward and up, raising the kettlebell into the air to roughly chest height and repeat for 60 seconds.
Advanced superman
Named because you’ll look a little like the man of steel about to take flight, the advanced superman requires core strength to ensure you remain steady, so it’s one of the best core workouts to include in your exercise regime.
Start on all fours, with your toes turned under and your knees off the floor. If that position feels too uncomfortable, start with your knees on the floor until you build up your core strength.
Lift and extend your left arm while simultaneously doing the same movement with your right leg. Hold for a count of two, then bend your elbow and knee, bringing them together to touch. Extend them once more, then return to the start. Repeat on the other side for one rep. Aim for 20 reps and repeat 3 times.
Bear crawls
Bear crawls are a mobility, strength and core workout rolled into one that will get your heart rate pumping. The muscles in your chest, arms, shoulder, upper back and abdomen will be burning by the time you finish because your knees don’t touch the ground, resulting in constant pressure on your upper body.
Crouch down with your hands on the ground in front of you (about shoulder-width apart) and your feet on the ground behind. Your hips should be up in the air and your eyes looking forward.
Crawl forward starting with your right hand and your left foot following with the left hand and the right foot. Take 4 - 6 steps, then reverse back.
This exercise engages your internal obliques and your core transverse muscles that help to keep your belly pulled in tight.
Plank
The plank is a simple exercise that you can do virtually anywhere – but be warned, it looks a lot easier than it is! To perform the plank just get yourself into a full push-up position, with your palms on the floor underneath your shoulders and your legs straight out behind you. You should be on your toes.
Now just hold for as long as possible, with your abs contracted (try pulling your belly button in towards your spine) and your head aligned with your spine. Aim for 30 seconds to begin with and then 1 – 2 minutes once you become a bit more practiced. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the longest time anyone has held an abdominal plank is a whopping 8 hours and 1 minute – so there’s something to aim for!
Gym or home?
You don’t need a gym membership to help sculpt some perfect abs and there’s no need to invest in a home gym to get a top home workout – but if you prefer training with equipment why not check out our flexible mini-loans to find out how easy it is to fund your new home gym equipment. Once a loan is approved, we can usually get a payment into your bank account within 24 hours, so you can start shopping for your new equipment now!