Summer Stomach: 3 Exercises to Help Shape Your Abs
By Virginia Laird
It is almost summertime! Many are beginning to think about getting their beach body ready. With summer only a few short weeks away, it is important to know that beginning now won't make a huge difference trying to rock that bikini or swimsuit. However, some change can be seen if you stick to a workout. There are many exercises that can help tone the stomach, including:
- Sit-ups
- Planks
- Leg lifts
Quick tip: No matter which exercise you choose to do, keep in mind that it is far more important to complete the exercise with correct form and do fewer sets than to rush through with bad form and do more. Bad form can harm the back and neck, which can just put you further behind in the game of getting toned.
Working the Sit-up
These are by far my least favorite ab workout, but they are great for the core. This exercise works every muscle in the stomach, top to bottom, making it one of the very best. One issue many people have with sit-ups tends to be the placement of the hands; it's necessary to place them on the back of the head where it attaches to the neck. Simply placing them behind the head, a common mistake, can place unnecessary strain and cause pain. It is always important to make sure you use correct form when participating in sit-ups.
Powering the Plank
Planks have increased in popularity over the last few years. You may have seen the plank challenge craze on Facebook and Instagram. Planks are another great exercise for the core. Plank form involves one holding his or her body in a push-up type of position for a set amount of seconds. It is important when choosing to take part in this exercise to start with a short amount of time and build.
Killing the Leg Lift
Leg lifts are a great ab exercise that are low stress on the back. I love this exercise because it allows me to be a little lazy. Leg lifts focus on the lower belly area and muscles. The body, after having a baby, can be difficult to get back into shape. I feel like this is an exercise that targets the abdomen in the area that the baby takes over. Leg lifts for the abs are different from the regular leg lifts for the legs. It is always important to make sure you are exercising correct form when working out.
Good luck on your journey to toned abs!
To learn more about your health and wellness, visit your local The Joint Chiropractic.