Simple moves to work your core and build abs at home

Core strength is so important for overall health. The stability and flexibility that comes with having strong abdominal muscles really has an impact on everything else.

But, it is an area that is often overlooked – or trained incorrectly. It’s really easy to focus on the wrong things when you’re trying to build on your stomach muscles.

Steven Virtue, fitness content and programming manager at Total Fitness, has created an at-home core workout that will help to sculpt your abs and build strength in your core.

The good news is that it only takes a few minutes to complete, so you can tick it off your list before work or even during your lunch break.

These simple exercises collectively work all of the key muscle groups with a particular focus on the core and stomach area.

Carry out each exercise for 45 seconds, then rest for 15 seconds before moving onto the next. Repeat the five-minute circuit as many times as you like.

High knees

A great way to warm up while targeting your lower abs is to give yourself a quick blast of cardio in the form of high-knees.

To complete this simple cardio-intensive exercise, start from standing a position and run on the spot as fast as you can, raising each knee so it’s on a 90-degree angle to the floor.

This exercise engages the core and works the leg muscles whilst getting your heart rate up.

The Superman

Strengthen your lower back and abs with the Superman pose. Start by lying on your front with arms and legs extended away from you.

Raise your arms and legs off the floor simultaneously and engage your core to lift your chest off the floor a little.

Hold for a few seconds before returning to your start position.

For a more advanced exercise, whilst in the hold position, move your limbs in criss-cross motion as though making a snow angel.

Mountain climbers

Mountain climbers are a great full-body workout that exercise almost every muscle group, whilst getting your heart rate up.

To perform a hill climber, get into plank position and raise one knee up to your chest at a time, ensuring your back remains straight at all times.

Perform the action one leg after the other and as fast as you can.

Ball slams

The original ball slam is a great way to elevate the heart rate quickly whilst developing core strength, positioning itself as fantastic calorie burner.

Stand with your feet hip-width apart, squat down keeping your back straight, drive the ball upwards with your arms fully extended and the ball overhead, then accelerate downwards back into the squat position slamming the ball into the ground on the way down.

Try to catch the ball on the bounce and keep it fast paced for a great cardio/strength workout.

Plank dips

Plank dips are a fantastic workout for toning the obliques while also strengthening your core and upper-body.

Holding an elbow plank with your core tucked in, rotate your left hip so that it almost touches the mat then do the same on your right side.

Continue this sequence of rotations with a strong plank posture to build strength and define your waistline.

Do you have any fitness tips to share? We want to hear from you.

Get in touch: [email protected].

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