8 More Moves To Tone Your Abs

Image by Bruce Mars (Unsplashed)

Having toned abs is probably what every normal human being wants. Aside from looking good naked, you can also fit into your clothes better, have more self-confidence, and most importantly, you’ll definitely be healthier. Although difficult, with determination and patience, a toned abs is absolutely possible. It is also important to know that you wouldn’t get a visible tone abs by performing this exercise routine if you have layer of fats on your belly area. If you want your abs to show, you definitely need to add in some cardio in your routine. And also, watching your diet is unarguably the most important factor when you want to get toned abs. With that being said, if you have a healthy diet and is already doing cardio every day, adding these exercises (along with the routines provided) will definitely aid your progress of getting those toned abs that you desired!

*Disclaimer: I am not an expert in bodybuilding or any health expert, but I believe that these few exercises are great for toning your body and is suitable for people with a generally healthy body and physique. If these exercises are too hard for you or is causing you extreme pain in any way, do not continue working out with them.

How to do these exercises: Arrange the exercises to however you prefer, then do the each exercise for 30 seconds to 1 minute, and rest for 10 seconds in between. You can repeat the whole sequence for 2-3 times. After the workout, do some stretches to relax your muscles.

1. Bicycle Crunches

Lie down on your back on a workout mat. Bend one knee towards your face and extend the other straight and hover above ground. Crunch up your shoulder and head, and if you can, tap your tucked in knee with your opposite elbow. Alternate your legs and your arms. When you’re crunching, don’t push your head upwards as this will hurt your neck, lift your head and shoulder as a whole. Squeeze your abs to lift your head and shoulders up, while breathing whenever you’re comfortable.

2. Superman

Lie down facing down on a workout mat. Extend your arms and legs straight out, and hover them above the ground. Hold this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Don’t arch your head up too much to prevent hurting your neck. When you are returning to your original position, slowly lower your arms and legs instead of slamming down immediately.

3. V-Ups

Sit down on your workout mat with your knees bent while lifting your feet above ground. Place your hands close to your back for support and balance. Extend your legs straight out while lowering your upper body, and then return to the original position, and then repeat this movement. If you want to make this more difficult, you can extend your arms towards your legs, this will require more balance. Ensure that your butt is seated on a soft area.

4. Side Crunches

Get to a crunch position, where you lay your back on the ground and have your knees bent. Engage your abs to lift your shoulders and neck above ground. Crunch your upper body up, and at the same time twist your elbow to the opposite side. Return to the original position, and continue with the other side. When you’re crunching, make sure you are lifting your shoulder and head as a hole instead of straining on your neck. Squeeze your abs to lift your head and shoulders up, while breathing whenever you’re comfortable.

5. Heel Taps

Sit on a workout mat and lift your upper body into a crunch position, and bend your knees with your knees slightly apart from each other. Engage your abs to elevate your shoulder and head above ground. Extend your arms towards your feet. Extend one side so your hand can touch the back of your feet, and repeat on the other side. When your head is lifted, don’t strain your head and lift your shoulder and head together. Make sure you are breathing throughout.

6. Toe Touch

Lie down on a workout mat with your legs extended straight above ground, 90 degrees to the ground. Extend your arms towards your toes. Crunch up to try to reach your toes with your fingers, and lower to the original position, then repeat the process. If you are unable to support your legs straight above ground, hold it against a surface, such as a wall, or you can also bend your legs. Lift your shoulder and head as a whole instead of pulling on your neck.

7. Sit Up

Lie down on a workout mat with your knees bent. Engage your abs and sit up so your body is straight above ground. Lower your body slowly back to the original position and repeat. Make sure you are not pulling on your head as this will strain your neck. Don’t forget to breath throughout this exercise.

8. Reverse Crunches

Lie down on a workout mat and extend your legs out to about 45 degrees. Lift your legs up over your head and lift your butt as your legs are over your head, and slowly lower them to the original position. Repeat this movement. Make sure your lower back is on the ground and not arched.

So here are the 8 exercises that you can include in your exercise routine to help get you your desired toned abs. As said in the introduction, aside from doing these exercises, you need to include some sort of cardio exercise, have a healthy diet, and also some time in order to see results.