Fab Abs By Summer

With bikini season just around the corner, it's time to tighten up our tummies! We've got a fab ab workout that zones in on the 3 muscles you want to tone; the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis and obliques. Do this routine 2 – 3 X per week for maximum results.

Standing Oblique Crunch

Stand up straight with your left hand on your hip and right arm above your head.  Lean to the left and then CRUNCH to the right by bringing your right knee up to your right elbow.

Do 2 sets of 8 repetitions, alternating sides. 

Oblique Rows

Sit with your legs straight out in front of you.  Lean back and put your hands under your shoulders.  Scoot your butt forward.  Lift your legs off the ground and shift weight to left hip.  Tuck both legs in (while leaning to left side) and straighten legs back out. 

Do 2 sets of 8 repetitions, alternating sides.

 Scissors

Lay on your back with your hands under your butt.  Lift your legs straight up and scissor them 4 times down and 4 times up. 
*More challenging: scissor legs 2 times down and 2 times up.

Do 2 sets of 8 repetitions.

Ball Crunches

Place a ball in between your feet and lie on your back with bent knees, hands over your head.  Bring feet up and crunch.  Grab the ball with your hands and bring it behind your head while lowering legs to the floor.   Then, crunch up, place ball in between feet and lower legs to the mat.

Do 2 sets of 8 repetitions.

Full sit-up with weight

Start in a sitting position, legs bent and hold a 5 pound plate, weight or even a heavy book.  Lay back and bring the weight all the way over your head.  Sit all the way back up.

Do 3 sets of 8 repetitions.

Upper body lift

Lay down flat on your back with your hands under your butt and your legs out straight.  Push up on your elbows and lift your upper body up.  Lie back down.

Do 3 sets of 8 repetitions.

 Side Plank with hip tap

Get into a side plank position with your hand on your hip.  Lower your hip down to the mat, tap it and come back up. 

Do 2 sets of 8 repetitions, alternating sides. 

Gymnastic Plank

Place a dish towel under the ball of both feet.  Get into a plank position.  Tuck your knees in and out and then out to the side and back.

Do 3 sets of 4 repetitions.