Top Killer Abs Workout

Top Killer Abs Workout

1) SPIDERMAN PLANK Workout

Start in a traditional plank position with your forearms on the ground and your body perfectly straight. Bring your right knee forward towards your right elbow, then return to the plank position. Repeat by bringing your left knee toward your left elbow. That’s one rep. Alternate sides for a total of 10 complete reps.

2) Abdominal Hold Workout

This is the sort of move that looks so wonky, you sure hope your roommate doesn't catch you doing it — unless she also gets to see you look stellar in a bathing suit, in which case she just may pull up a chair.

Do it:

·   Sit tall on the edge of a sturdy chair (or step with four risers) and place your hands on the edge with your fingers pointing toward your knees.

·   Tighten your abs and bring your toes 2 to 4 inches off the floor. Lift your butt off the chair.

·   Hold this position for as long as you can — aim for 5 to 10 seconds.

·   Lower yourself down and repeat.

·   Continue this exercise for 1 minute.

3) The Side Workout

A deceptively difficult move, the side crunch tests your balance while it teases your oblique muscles. (It worked my hips in a way I've not felt in a while, too.)

Do it:

·   Kneel on the floor and lean all the way over to your right side, placing your right palm on the floor.

·   Keeping your weight balanced, slowly extend your left leg and point your toes.

·   Place your left hand behind your head, pointing your elbow toward the ceiling.

·   Next, slowly lift your leg to hip height as you extend your arm above your leg, with your palm facing forward.

·   Look out over your hand while bringing the left side of your rib cage toward your hip.

·   Lower to your starting position and repeat 6 to 8 times.

4) CABLE ROTATION Workout

Stand holding a cable with both hands out in front of you at just under shoulder height. Keeping your arms fixed and straight and your abs engaged, rotate your upper body to the left, then back to center, and then to the right, and then back to center. That’s one rep Alternate sides for one set of 10 complete reps.

5) BICYCLE CRUNCH Workout

Lie on your back with your hands behind your head, and your legs raised and bent at 90 degrees. Alternate sides by bringing your right elbow towards your left knee then your left elbow towards your right knee, building up to 60 seconds. Try and hold the crunch for a two-count on each side to force a slower, concentrated movement.

6) Ballet Twist Workout

I like the really generous side-stretching in this modified half-crunch. (When I first tried this move, I had a buddy hold my feet still at first until I got the motion down — it was helpful to have her watch my form and correct the angle of my back.)

Do it:

·   Sit on the floor and extend your legs, pressing them firmly together.

·   Lean back 45 degrees from the hips.

·   Keep your abs engaged as you bring both your arms overhead like a ballerina.

·   Slowly twist your torso to the right, placing your right arm on the mat. Keep your left arm reaching overhead for a slow count of 3.

·   Repeat the movement, keeping your left arm on the floor, and keeping your butt and heels on the floor.

·   Contract your abs to support your spine as you return to center, bringing both arms overhead.

·   Continue alternating sides. Do 2 sets of 6 to 8 reps on each side.