While it’s true that doing ab exercises alone won’t get you anywhere near that coveted six-pack, it doesn’t mean you should avoid them altogether. Ab exercises make for great additions to your normal workout. We asked Mark Kiersh, who just joined Mint DC as a personal trainer, to demonstrate some ab exercises to intersperse into our next workout. They may look simple, but we can guarantee your core will feel way more burn the next day than if you did boring old crunches.
Exercise 1: Windshield Wipers
Reps: 3 x 20
Lie on your back and grasp a sturdy pole behind you (your bed frame works). Lift your legs so your body forms an L shape. Slowly lower your legs to one side, then lift and lower them to the other side (think of the movement windshield wipers make). That’s two reps.
Exercise 2: Leg and Core Roll-Out
Reps: 3 x 20
Grab a fitness ball and get in a modified plank position with your feet resting on the ball. Engage your core as you bring the ball to your chest, leaving your feet on the ball. Extend out again and repeat.
Exercise 3: Walking Plank
Reps: 3 x 1 minute
We can’t mention core work without including a plank exercise. Get in a modified plank position and lower your left arm so you’re resting on the forearm. Bring the right arm down so you’re in plank position. Extend arms one by one so you’re back in starting position and repeat.
For more workouts, visit Well+Being’s Fit Check page.
