Ab Workout!

I'm proud of my abs; they've taken a lot of hard work.
People are always asking "What's your ab routine?", "How often do you work them?" and even "Do you do anything special for them?" What people don't understand is yes, I have developed a strong core, but the reason you can actually see my abs is mostly due to the fact that I have so little fat on me. We've all got abs people, you just need to reveal them! The best way to reveal the abs is cardio - specifically HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). How much and how often will be different for everyone; I suggest you talk to a trainer if you want a personalised plan. And don't forget clean eating - probably the most important factor in revealing your abs!

There are many ways you can strengthen the core (abs) however, and not just by endless crunches.
Here's one of my at favorite, quick, (at home) workouts for the core:

(You will need a weight of some sort - a dumbbell, medicine ball or kettlebell - and a decline bench)
Do each set with 20-30 seconds break in between.

• 4x15 (each side) Oblique Crunches

-Lay on your side with your knees slightly bent and your arms up with your hands behind your head. Crunch sideways from the waist, raising your legs and upper body a few inches off the ground. Lower and repeat. (This one looks kind of awkward but kills your obliques!)

• 4x15 Weighted Jack-knifes

-Lay flat on your back holding a weight above your head. Brace your core and bring your knees towards your chest while simultaneously bringing the weight over your body and down towards your toes. Straighten your legs and arms out again (not letting them touch the ground) and repeat for all reps.

• 4x20 Bicycle Crunches

-On your back with your hands behind your head, crunch and bring your left knee to your right elbow. With your upper body and legs still off the ground, twist and bring your right knee to your left elbow. This is 1 rep. Repeat for 20 full reps.

• 4x15 Decline Crunches

-Lay back on a decline bench (knees wrapped over the end and feet hooked under). Perform basic crunches from the declined starting position.

• 4x15 Incline Leg Raises

-On the decline bench, rest your neck on the higher end and hold the hooks with your hands. With your body and legs straight, brace your core and raise your legs till they're 45 degrees from the ground. Lower (not all the way) and repeat for all reps.

• 3x Planks (1min for the first, 2mins for the second, 3rd until failure)

-Lay on your front, propped up on your elbows. Brace your core and lift your body off the ground, resting on your forearms and toes only. Keep your body straight and core tight. Hold for designated time - remember to breathe!

If you don't have access to a bench, the decline crunches can be replaced with regular crunches, and the incline leg raises can be replaced with regular lying leg raises.

This is actually quite a challenge, and if you do it correctly I can assure you you'll feel it the next day!

Enjoy ;)

Carly
xo

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