Whip Those Abs Into Shape!

So I've been working out extra hard these past few weeks and wanted to share with you some great exercise tips to send you on the road to getting that flat, sexy stomach! Now, a few years ago I had a conversation with a personal trainer and he advised me to work on my abs every single day... unlike using weights for legs and arms where you need a day of rest in between, it's actually important to do a little cardio and core training every day... think of it as building your "foundation" for a strong body. Now, maybe your 'every day' is 5 days a week (which is awesome!), or maybe you have a busy lifestyle where you only have time to workout 2-3 times a week but still want a flat stomach... If that's the case, a good habit to get into is, as soon as you wake up, get on the floor and do 50 crunches. It only takes about 1 minute and will amp up your body's metabolism and put you in a "healthy" mindset for the rest of the day! I know, I know, the first thing I want in the a.m. is a big cup of coffee, but really pushing yourself to take that one measly minute before you do anything else will make a big difference!!
But on to the exercises... here we go!!

Step 1: Basic crunch at moderate speed(2 sets of 50 reps):

This gets the heart rate up and engages your muscles. Put on your favorite song and you'll be at #50 in no time.

*STRETCH*!!!! It is sooooo very important to rest and stretch in between these exercises, this is a key element in getting the stomach flat. So, lay face down, place your hands by your shoulders like you would for a push-up, and arch back:

In yoga, this is called the "seal". Be sure to suck in your stomach and stay there for about 1 minute.

Step 2: Bicycle Crunch (2 sets of 50 reps- 25 slow/25fast)

Yep, as you can see this one's a little more challenging, but it's so worth it! It really helps to shape the obliques and knockout those "love handles"!

*STRETCH*

Step 3: Lower Ab Reverse Crunch (25 reps)

Now once you are in this position, simply lower the legs to about 45 degrees (still bent), then back up to the starting form. This one is super challenging for me so I get to about 10, have to rest, then continue on. This one is so great for that tummy "pooch", but definitely takes time and practice to be able to do a lot of reps! Be careful though - if you experience lower back pain - stop and move on to the next exercise! come back to this one once you've built a stronger core :-)

*STRETCH*

Step 4: Stability Ball = Your Best Friend!! (2 sets of 25 reps)

I got one of these bad boys for about $30, and it is worth every single penny!!! You just choose the right size ball depending on your height. It's great for your back, works your legs and butt (because you have to support yourself) allows you to stretch further back on the ball and gives you a wide range of motion to work your all of the muscles form top to bottom!

So guys, these are some of the exercises I work on to tone up my midsection and have gotten great results so far... If you can't do as many reps, that's ok!! Just work until you feel the burn, and eventually you will get stronger and tougher. Dig down deep for that motivation and give it a shot -  we can all have  those washboard abs together!! Haha... I have to really find that inspiration for myself each and every day to get myself going, but you will feel a thousand times better once you've taken that step to achieve your goal. Good luck to you all and just know... you can do it!!

xoxo,

Laura