How to Get Great Abs

You’ve finally gotten your eating under control. You work out. When you look down at your stomach, for once in your life you’re not disgusted! Whether you’ve been working hard on improving your overall physical fitness, or you’re a naturally slender person who is looking for a little definition, listen up!

If you are willing to put the effort in, it doesn’t matter who you are, you can have the stomach that you’ve always wanted and get great abs. I’ll be honest with you. It will take time and a bit of pain on your part. But, if you’d like your clothes to fit better, have a stronger core, and be overall proud of the body that you have, then you’re in luck. I have 5 easy moves that are going tone and firm those abdominal muscles.

So, you’re ready for the stomach that you’ve always wanted? That toned six-pack stomach that will be turning heads this summer? Well, ready or not, let’s invite the burn!

As mentioned above, 25 reps per exercise are fine. But remember, when this routine becomes too easy for you (as you strengthen your core, it will) you’ll need to add reps, weight, lift the legs etc. to boost the intensity so that you will actually get that six-pack. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. If it were easy to get great abs, wouldn’t we all have them? But you’re persistent! I can feel it! So, grab your mat, some water and weights if you want to kick it up a notch and let’s tone some abs!

1. Cross It

Lay on your back with your knees bent. Bring your right hand to your left shoulder and your left hand to your right shoulder. As you crunch up, bringing shoulders off of the floor, lift your feet off of the floor as well. Try to touch your thighs with your elbows. Keep your core engaged. Lower your shoulders and feet to the floor. Repeat.

Lay on your stomach with your forearms under your chest. Prop yourself up, balancing on your forearms and toes. Hold for 15-30 seconds and lower down. Try to keep your body in one straight line and keep your butt down. The closer your body is to the floor, the harder and more effective this exercise is.

3. The Plank with Knee Drops

Get into the basic plank position. Hoist yourself up on your forearms and toes. With body lifted, lower your right knee to the floor, touch and switch knees. Continue alternating knees for about 15-20 seconds.

Lay down on your right side and prop yourself up on your right elbow. Stack your feet one up on top of the other. You may want to use your left arm to help balance yourself by touching the floor in front of you (lightly – don’t support yourself on your hand –you want your abs to do the work). Hoist your hips off of the floor, balancing on your elbow and right foot. Hold for 5 seconds and slowly lower to the floor. Repeat for 15-25 reps and switch sides.

Sit up with your feet flat on the floor, knees bent. Lean back slightly, until your core is engaged. Open your arms wide, at shoulder height. Lift your feet off of the floor, bringing your knees and your hands to your chest. Straighten your legs, keeping your feet off of the floor and open your arms. Repeat.

You CAN get great abs, a six-pack is absolutely in your future. Incorporate these five exercises into your current abs routine and you’ll be well on your way to the body that you’ve always dreamed of. You should try to do your abs routine 3 -4 times a week. As the exercises become easier, you need to modify so you still challenge yourself. Remember, if you’re finding your routine easy – you’re probably not going to see much in the way of results.

The slower the better. Lower your feet slowly to the floor as you lower your shoulders. Try to concentrate on keeping your abs tight for the whole exercise. Increase reps to 30-35.

There are many simple ways to modify the plank. The simplest way is to hold the plank for longer. You can shoot for 30 – 60 seconds at a time. Keeping your body straight and low to the floor increases the intensity.

A second way to modify the plank is to lift alternating feet and arms. Get into the basic plank position. Lift your right foot and left arm off of the floor, hold for 5 seconds and lower. Lift the left foot and right arm, hold and lower.

To increase the intensity, get into the side plank position (right side). When you lift your hips off of the floor, straighten your left arm, perpendicular to your body. Lift it up high and then lower it in front of your body, reaching under and behind. Hold. Straighten the arm back up. Repeat, five per side.

To intensify try to fully extend your legs out along the floor, slowly bringing them back to your chest with each rep. As always, you can increase the reps.

It’s exciting to think that you can change your body through exercise. The only thing that stands in your way is you. You’re ready to make the commitment. I know you are. So why not just start? Imagine the shape you could be in, a month from now…Three months from now… Don’t waste another day! It’s time to get moving. Take the next step and get the abs that you’ve always wanted!