Great abs exercises to do at home or in the gym
In this blog post I will be deep diving into one of the most coveted of fitness goals – achieving a trim and lean waist right from the comfort of your home.
I get asked about this a lot, by clients (and associates!) who want to regularly train and trim their waists while away from the gym and at home.
So, whether you're a busy parent, a remote worker, or simply prefer the convenience of home workouts, to follow is a set of exercises designed to sculpt and strengthen your core.
1. Planks: Core stability at its finest
Planks are a staple exercise for building core strength and stability and they can easily be done at home with minimal equipment. So, start in a push-up position, with your elbows directly beneath your shoulders and your body forming a straight line from head to heels.
Hold this position for as long as you can, focusing on engaging your core muscles and keeping your hips level.
Tip: Aim to hold the plank for 30 seconds to 1 minute, gradually increasing the duration as you get stronger.
2. Bicycle Crunches: Target those obliques!
Bicycle crunches are a fantastic way to target the oblique muscles, helping to sculpt a defined waistline. Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your legs lifted, knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
Alternate bring your right elbow towards your left knee while extending your right leg out straight, then switch sides.
Tip: Aim for 3 sets of 15-20 reps per side, focusing on controlled movements and engaging your core throughout.
3. Russian Twists: Torching those love handles
Russian twists are a dynamic core exercise that targets the obliques and helps trim those love handles. To deliver, sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet lifted off the ground, then lean back slightly to engage your core.
Hold a weight or a household object with both hands and twist your torso from side to side, touching the object to the floor beside you with each rotation.
Tip: Aim for 3 sets of 12-15 reps per side, focusing on maintaining proper form and breathing rhythmically.
4. Side Planks: Strengthening the entire core
Side planks are an excellent exercise for targeting the side muscles of the core, known as the obliques. Start by lying on your side with your elbow directly beneath your shoulder and your legs stacked on top of each other.
Lift your hips off the ground, creating a straight line from head to heels and hold this position, engaging your core muscles throughout.
Tip: Aim to hold each side plank for 30 seconds to 1 minute, focusing on stability and alignment.
5. Mountain Climbers: Add a cardio boost!
Mountain climbers are a dynamic, full-body exercise that also targets the core muscles, making them perfect for trimming and toning your waistline.
Start in a plank position, then alternate bringing your knees towards your chest in a running motion, keeping your core engaged and your hips level.
Tip: Aim for 3 sets of 20-30 seconds of mountain climbers, focusing on maintaining a steady pace and proper form.
Finally, remember that consistency is key
Always, always, always!
Consistency is absolutely crucial when it comes to achieving your fitness goals. Aim to incorporate the exercises into your home workout routine at least 3-4 times per week, gradually increasing the intensity and duration as you progress.
With dedication, determination and a little sweat you'll be well on your way to unlocking that trim and lean waist you've always dreamed of.
In the meantime, if you have any queries about the exercises above, get in touch.
Julien