For busy professionals and those who hate having to go to the gym, here are 4 easy workouts that you can do at home to tone up your abs.
The leg drop
This quick exercise tones your abs while working out your entire core.
Step 1: Lie flat on your back, with your legs extended towards the ceiling.
Step 2: Tighten your abs and slowly lower your legs, making sure to keep them off the floor. Go as low as possible without lifting your back off the ground.
Step 3: Pause and raise your legs back to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.
See a video tutorial here.
The scissor kick
Kick your way to tighter abs!
Step 1: Lean back, propping yourself up slightly with your arms, keeping your legs extended straight.
Step 2: Move your legs up and down in a scissor motion. When one leg is kicked up, the other leg hovers just above the ground. Be sure to keep your legs as straight as possible.
Step 3: Repeat 10 times.
See a video tutorial here.
Alternate arm and leg raise
In addition to working your core, this move trains your balance as well.
Step 1: Begin on all fours, and start by raising your right arm to the height of your shoulder, and your left leg to the height of your hip. Hold for two counts before returning to start position.
Step 2: Do the same for your left arm and right leg.
Step 3: Repeat for 20 repetitions.
See a video tutorial here.
The roll up
This seems simple, but researchers say that this pilates workout is 30% more effective than crunches at targeting your ab muscles.
Step 1: Lie flat on your back and extend your arms and legs fully, forming a straight line with your body.
Step 2: Bring your arms forward, chin facing down, and begin curling your body forward, reaching your hands towards your toes.
Step 3: Reverse the move and return to the starting position.
Step 4: Repeat 10 times.
See a video tutorial here.
