1. Side Planks
This exercise challenges my stability and improves core strength by working the muscles along the side of my body. The great thing about side planks is that they are spine friendly.
How To Do It:
Lie on your left side, raising yourself onto your left forearm. Place your left shoulder directly above your left elbow, keeping your shoulders, hips and knees in alignment. Rest your right arm along the side of your body.
Pull your belly button in towards your spine and tighten your abdominal muscles. Hold for three deep breaths and repeat on your right side.
2. Ball Roll Out
I love working with the exercise ball, plus, there is little risk of back injury with this excercise. For all of you new moms out there, the ball roll out will help realign and strengthen your spine after giving birth!
How To Do It:
Kneel and place the ball directly in front of you. Rest your forearms on top of the ball.
Inhale to prepare. As you exhale, contract your abdominal muscles and roll the ball forward. Your arms will extend as you do this, and your feet will come off the floor.
Roll as far forward as possible without rounding your back or hunching your shoulders. Make sure that your butt comes with you. In other words, your hips should not still be over your heels.
3. Bicycle Crunches
This is definitely old school, but did you know that bicycle crunches caused the abs to tense the most and is twice as effective as the normal “crunch” abs? During this exercise, it’s imperative that you slow down the bike crunch and focus more on your breathing and abs. This makes the exercise more of a challenge and you will get better results!
How To Do It:
Fully extend out one leg, while the other is bent and you touch your opposite elbow to the bent leg as if you are twisting. Repeat with the other side without taking a rest or dropping your torso back down. The entire time, your upper body should be in a crunch position. This will be tough, but you can do it! Let’s go!
Tip for you: In order to get rid of a bloated belly, ease up on sodium, drink lots of water and increase your cardio along with these ab excercises. My other little “secret” is that I drink youthH20! I can’t get enough of this stuff! It has helped me keep my weight down and it’s also a superfood…very tasty and nutritious! Let’s all work towards that sexy midsection!
