![Killer ab exercise!
[via blogilates]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/daa042f1c1d8b4f3240f720e4e99712e/tumblr_mo5ay6Ksct1qd45ayo1_500.jpg)
Killer ab exercise!
[via blogilates]
Crazy Ivan’s!
Start in a seated position, legs extended out in front you, knees slightly bent. Heels can remain on the floor, for a greater challenge, lift feet up off the ground. Draw your belly button into your spine and slowly lean back so that your sitting bones are firmly planted on the ground or bench and your core muscles are engaged. For an added challenge hold a dumbbell or medicine ball in both hands. To begin, slowly twist your torso to one side and tap your hands down to the surface just next to your hip, then twist to the opposite side, reaching your arms up overhead as you turn. Repeat for 8-12 reps and then again on the opposite side. (Beginners should perform this exercise on the floor.)
(Source: hungry-runner.com)
![20 Secrets to Flat Abs
[image via Fit Sugar]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/3dc27ae5c0ac937b674d89b671d4b82f/tumblr_mfqtdef1Rb1r8vswvo1_500.jpg)
At Home Ab Workout- Hungry Runner’s Hurricane Core Workout!
Trapped inside for an indefinite amount of time because of that silly storm named Sandy?
Perfect, let’s workout!
This ab circuit can be done anywhere, anytime. No equipment needed. All of your excuses are invalid.
The circuit goes as follows:
1. “Hurricane” Twists (AKA Russian Twists)
2. Cyclone Leg Lifts
3. Row, Row, Row Your Boat Pose
4. “Swaying Tree” Twists (AKA Crazy Ivans)
I said it in the video and I’ll say it again here: Just because you can’t leave your house, doesn’t mean you can’t workout.
Complete the circuit a total of 3 times with one minute of rest between each round. Your abs should be crying tears of sweat when you’re finished.
Happy Hurricane, stay safe everyone!
P.S. Hurricane Sandy has left me stranded in my apartment for almost 10 hours now, and my chances of leaving tomorrow are slim to none. So please, let me apologize in advance for all of the horrible hurricane and storm puns about to come your way over the next 48 hours.
(Source: youtube.com)
Fit Tip: Skip stairs to strengthen your glute and core muscles!
(For more fit tips & healthy eating ideas, follow Hungry Runner on Instagram)
As a personal trainer, this is probably one of the number one questions that clients and gym members ask me on a continual basis.
Sure, there are plenty of exercises that you can do to target your abs, but for most people, the hardest thing to understand is that you cannot spot reduce fat and that a strong core, with “chiseled six pack abs” cannot be achieved simply by doing tons of crunches on the floor.
Which is why I wanted to share Chichi’s (from the Fit Villains blog) recent post where she answered this question SPOT ON. Check out her response:
“The best thing I did for my core was to get off the floor! Isolating your abs does little to help them show and just isn’t functional.
I didn’t start noticing core STRENGTH until I swapped crunches for tuck jumps, burpees, tuck jumps, planks (all kinds) and mountain climbers. They target your entire core (inside: the corset part and outside) and are fabulous, total body exercises. I didn’t start noticing DEFINITION until I started eating cleaner and training ALL my muscle groups: adding more lean muscle to my back, legs & arms helped boost my metabolism drastically.
I get asked a lot about ‘ab’ workouts and I admit I’m not big on advising people to pursue unrealistic goals: six packs are not necessarily possible for all women while maintaining a healthy body fat percentage. Most women will always have a little extra in the tum, and that’s just fine by me (also doing my best to help them feel better in their more ‘tum’ skin).
However, if you’re looking to burn fat and build core strength, try…
1. Getting off the floor
2. Strength training. Every bit of ya.
3. Using fat burning H.I.I.T cardio
4. Focusing on tougher exercises with less reps (think 8-15 reps until you fail instead of the 100’s of crunches many women do).
5. Adding compound exercises like burpees, mountain climbers, swings, pushups etc.
6. Adding instability to your existing routine (stability balls, bosu balls etc.)
Click the link to continue reading about her thoughts on diet and clean eating for a slimmer stomach and for a link to her “Hardcore Core Weekend Workout!” (Read more here).
(Source: fitvillains)
