Three Exercises to Help You Tighten Your Tummy

Three Exercises to Help You Tighten Your Tummy

One of the most frequently asked questions from my personal training clients is, how do I lose my belly?  My response to them is, unfortunately we can’t pick and choose the areas which we want our bodies to drop fat.  Our genetics determine which area of our body’s deposit fat first and drop fat last.  However, we can develop the muscles in certain areas which will give the area a more firm, toned appearance.  If you are looking to tone and tighten your abs, try these three exercises to get you on your way.

• Reverse Crunch:  Lay on your back with your hands next to you or behind your head.  Raise your legs so they are at a 90 degree angle from the rest of your body with your feet together or crossed at the ankles and contract your abs to lift your hips and legs towards the ceiling.  Hold for 3 seconds before lowering your legs to the starting position.  Make sure to not swing your legs but use a very controlled, small movement to engage your ab muscles.  Repeat 15 to 20 times for 1 to 3 sets.
• Bicycle Crunch:   Lay on your back with your hands behind your head.  With your legs raised up off the floor, bring your left knee up towards the chest as you bring your right elbow over towards your left knee.   Keep your right leg straight and lifted off the floor.  Hold for 2 seconds then repeat on the other side.  Continue to alternate sides for 15 to 20 repetitions.  Try to complete 1 to 3 sets.
• Abdominal V-Up:  Lay on your back with your arms extended over your head.  With your legs straight and together, lift them up off the floor towards the ceiling as you reach for your toes with your hands keeping your back to the floor.  Hold for 2-5 seconds before lowering the legs until they are just above the ground but not touching and then repeat the movement.  Use a slow, controlled movement to engage the abs so you do not use momentum to complete the exercise.  Try to complete 10 to 20 repetitions.

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