Getting a stronger core doesn’t have to involve shunning carbs and spending hours in the gym. Enter a simpler way to tone and strengthen your stomach: bodyweight exercises. This workout will sculpt, define, and tone the perfect set of abs with some extra added fun.
Not only can you perform these exercises at the gym, but they are also ready for you at home. So, if you are not confident or don’t feel comfortable yet, let these exercises train and help you become familiar with your body weight and engage body movements.
All you have to do is try one set of each exercise, and when comfortable, modify and create the perfect workout that works for you! Complete your sets three times per week and you will notice not only your strength and posture improving, but your figure-shaping.
V-Up:
Get into the “V” position and hold it for as long as you can instead of doing reps.
How to:
- Start by lying on your back, with your legs straight and arms extended overhead.
- Contract your core and exhale as you hinge forward from the hips and lift your legs to create a “V” with your body.
- Hold for one count, then inhale as you slowly return to the start.
- Aim for doing 20 to 25 of these, but it’s ok if you can’t.
Related article: 4 Push Ups To A Powerful Looking Physique
Super Stability Ball Plank:
Not ready for this advanced move? Perform a plank with your forearms on the ball and feet on the ground.
How to:
- Rest your forearms on a stability ball and extend your legs to rest your feet on another ball behind you.
- Hold here for as long as you can — it won’t be long!
- Bring your feet and knees back to the ground.
- Perform this exercise close to the beginning of your workout, before your abdominals become fatigued.
Related article: Stability Ball Workout For Strong Core Abs & Legs
V-Up to Pressdown:
Your heels should remain on the ground from beginning to end. Make it easier by using a slower curling motion to lift your upper body from the ground. Focus on raising one vertebra at a time until your torso is vertical.
How to:
- Lie faceup, with your arms and legs outstretched.
- In one motion, sit straight up, place your hands on the ground beside your thighs, and press through your palms to lift your glutes off the mat.
- Curl your upper body to bring your head towards your legs – the motion may be small, depending on your ability.
- Lower your butt back to the floor and reverse.
- Try 10 to 15 reps!
Related article: Yoga and Stretching Exercises & Correct Form
Stability-Ball V-Up:
The larger the ball, the harder it will be to hold on to, and the more difficult the exercise will be.
How to:
- Hold a stability ball and lie on your back, with your legs straight and arms extended overhead.
- Raise your torso and legs off the floor at the same time, and pass the ball from your hands to between your shins.
- Slowly reverse, lowering back to the floor one vertebrae at a time.
- Repeat, passing the ball from your shins to your hands, to complete one rep.
- 10 to 15 reps in total.