Crunches, planks, elbow to knee sit-ups…they all seem like a lot of back-breaking effort. And, well, not all of us want to roll out a yoga mat to firm up our wobbly bits…or get our hair dirty.
So, Motherswhowork.co.uk has been on the lookout for tips and advice on how to tone abs without having to clear the clutter and make way on the floor. Yep – standing ab exercises.
“Most people think that in order to work your abs, you should spend most of your time lay on your back. You couldn’t be more wrong,” says personal trainer Lee Pickering of DW Fitness.
“There are a variety of ways in which you can work your abs while standing up – don’t forget that they help you to stand up, lean sideways, twist and balance.
The workout
Lee says:
1. Grab a weight in each hand (starting with 3kg weights, working up to 7.5kg). Keep them by your side and stand straight.
2. Engage your core, pull in your stomach muscles and ensure that your back isn’t arched.
3. Lean slowly to one side, dropping your hand down towards your knee.
4. Move back up slowly, keeping the movement controlled.
5. Repeat ten times and switch sides.
6. Keeping hold of your weights, hold them straight out in front of you, but don’t lock your elbows. Keep your core engaged and your shoulders back. Hold for as long as possible.
7. Take a thirty second rest and repeat.
“If you have a friend or partner working out with you, stand back to back and pass a kettle bell from one side to another. This will work your abs and can quickly turn competitive,” says Lee.
A helping hand
If you’re really desperate to get ripped abs, or tone up before the sunnier months roll in, you might try using the Slendertone Abs Belt while you’re working out. Slender tone personal trainer Nicki Waterman suggests using the device for “a minimum of 20 minutes a day, five days a week for a minimum of six weeks”. You can use the device when you’re not exercising too – so while you’re ironing, of just vegging out in front of the television you can be working out your abs, too. Check back soon for our full review of Slendertone.
A gold outfit
If you struggle to stay motivated, one way to make sure you’ll get out there and exercise that body into summer-ready condition is to buy a ‘motivational’ workout outfit. Make it your favourite colour, the size you aspire to be and you’ll soon want to get into shape.
