I love including ab workouts into my fitness routine, as they are so easy to fit into your daily schedule! You don’t need any fancy equipment either, just a space big enough to lie down comfortably.

Here are my three favourite ab exercises:

• Lie down on your back, with your legs raised straight up above you. Crunch up, your hands reaching towards your toes. Your head and chest should lift up off the ground, with no strain in your neck. Gently lower half way back down, keeping your legs raised at all times. Repeat for 30 seconds.

• Lie down on your back with your feet in a table top position. Crunch up and reach your arms straight out in front of you. Pulse your hands up and down, palm up for 5 counts and palm facing down for 5. Keep counting until you have performed 100 pulses (20 alternations).

• Go into a plank position. One at a time, bend your knees and bring them up towards your chest and back down again. Perform 50 reps.

With all of these exercises, your form is very important! Ensure that you are never straining your neck during crunches, and try to keep a neutral spine at all times during the plank (no arching or caving of your back).

 

Article by Heidi Greig.

Heidi Greig is a 25-year-old Melbournian with a passion for all things health and fitness. Coming from a background in modern dance and now enjoying the benefits of Reformer Pilates, Heidi is well –aware of the importance of regular, heart rate rising activity for a balanced and happy life!

 

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