It's almost time for bikini season, and do you know what that means? Ab exercise time!!! Everyone, young and old, boys and girls, can achieve flat abs and a healthier core through this simple, non-time-consuming exercise. And unlike crunches or sit-ups, there is absolutely no neck strain involved! Now you have no reason to not work out!
Step 1
Start by lying, belly up, on the floor that is carpeted or has a rug on it. Lay your hands by your sides.
Step 2
Lift your legs up in the air so they form a right angle with your torso. Be careful not to let your hips or all of your butt come off the floor.
Step 3
Counting to eight, lower your legs as if to lower them to the floor, but don't. Stop them when your ankles are about 3 inches off the floor.
Step 4
Hold this position for 8 seconds, then lift your legs straight in the air in the same position as before.
Step 5
Repeat 8 times.
Tips
- Be sure to breathe! So many people don't breathe deeply during exercise, making it painful and less effective!
- Although this may seem unimaginably difficult at first, practice makes perfect! If it's too hard to start, tailor the exercise to fit your physical form. For example, you could repeat the exercise only 6 times.
- If you feel you need a little bit more challenge, try holding the last one for 30 seconds.
- Once you get really good, feel free to up the amount. For example, you could hold for 12 seconds, and repeat 12 times.
- During the exercise, try to keep your legs nice and straight and your neck on the floor. Keeping your legs really straight will help tone your thighs as well!
Warnings
- Never do this exercise on a non-carpeted floor. You could develop persistent aches and pains in parts of your body!
- Never let your legs touch the floor during the exercise! It may seem difficult not to rest, but it is necessary to receive the whole effect of the exercise.
- This exercise is very harmful for your lower back. This can cause extreme pain even if you have no previous history of back pain.
Things You'll Need
- a floor with a carpet/rug
- diligence
- a few minutes to spare
