Healthy happy you.
Crunches. Sit-ups. The 100s. I used to do tons of abdominal work lying on my back. I would fit these strength training moves in by doing them during TV commercial breaks or at the tail end of a cardio session, but things have changed. Now I do so many full body exercises — from planks to burpees, from wood choppers to squats with side bends — that work my abs while working other body parts Read more
Countless crunches and multiple sets of Russian twists might tone your abs, but they're not so great for your back. Not only that, but they aren't functional movement, meaning the strength gained in these exercises won't really help you outside the gym. Repeatedly rounding the spine in a crunch or full sit-up sets the stage for a disk injury. Repeatedly twisting, especially if your abs are weak, Read more
Someone recently asked me if Pilates was German for ab exercises. While the founder of Pilates hailed from Germany, his last name is now what we know his exercise method by. This question, however, is highly indicative of classic Pilates exercises - they work your abs! In many Pilates exercises that focus directly on strengthening the abs, you lie on your back and have both your legs as well as Read more
Recently, I posted about vinyasas - the 5-movement sequence that links poses together. In order to be able to lift your body back from seated and get back to Chaturanga (this is called a "jump back"), you need to have some serious core muscle strength. This pose called Boat is great to practice if you want to tone and build up your abdominals. The increased strength and control you gain will Read more
I know not everyone likes to do ab work next to his or her laptop. I know I am unique in this case. For all of you that go to the gym and want a little guidance (not from your iPod - but a tangible piece of paper) here is a print out version of the Love Handles workout. Now you can really take it with you where ever you choose to exercise. Pilates Twist: 10 sets Read more
Celeb trainer Teddy Bass knows you need to work the entire torso and all four layers of abdominal muscles to create a sleek midsection. In this 10-minute workout, Cameron Diaz's longtime trainer mixes plank variations and roll-ups with standing ab exercise for a complete core workout. Press play and get ready to feel your belly burn — in a good way, of course! Read more
Hate crunches and planks? Work your abs, and then some, off the mat with this 10-minute standing abs workout from FitSugar reader JessicaSmithTV. She posted it in the 10 Pounds Down community group. Join fitness expert Jessica Smith for this full-length, 10-minute standing abs video workout that will keep your heart rate up as you target your abdominals (and more!) for even faster Read more
We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar! By the Editors of Prevention A toned, flat tummy is a goal many of us strive to achieve in time for bathing suit season, but endless crunches and ditching all your favorite foods until July 4th isn’t the right—or fun—way to do it. A sculpted core and trim tummy can be attained by incorporating small changes Read more
Kick your abs into gear with this great exercise — no crunching require! All you need is an exercise ball and to watch this short video to help you master the move. The ball pass exercise works your abdominals as they stabilize the torso against the weight of your arms and legs moving away from your center. Try it! Read more
It's getting hot out there, which means many of you are busting out the bathing suits, crop tops, and waist-skimming bottoms. If you're not quite ready to bare your midriff, we've got just the thing for you! Here are seven ab-focused workouts that'll have your tummy tight and toned by the time Summer rolls around. We are all about total-body workouts, but sometimes it's nice to give a little Read more
