Don’t Stay Warm This Winter, Stay Skinny

The colder season is approaching, that means less focus on a healthy and toned body. Here are a few great ab exercises you can do from home to keep your core strong and a slim figure throughout the winter.

Bicycle

These crunches work on oblique’s, the muscles along the sides of your abdomen.

1. Lie on floor with your knees bent and hands behind head.
2. Lift shoulder blades and twist right elbow to left knee; then twist left elbow toward right knee.
3. Do two sets of 15 reps.

Jack Knives

People with six packs do jack knives because it targets not only the upper abs but the lower abs.

1. Lay on the floor, mat, or bench and point your toes up towards the ceiling.

1. Stretch your arms towards your toes until you reach a 45-90 degree angle.
2. Don’t let your shoulders touch the floor.
3. Then return back to the floor or bench with your legs and arms stretched out without either completely touching the ground.
4. Do 40 reps.

Curving Love

This exercise gets rid of those unwanted love handles.

1. Stand with your feet underneath your hips.
2. Put your hands on the back of your head and bend your knees a tad.
3. Harden your core to lock hips in one place.

1. Twist to one side then the other for a complete rep.
2. For best results do 100 reps.

Planks

Ever heard of planking? Well that popular activity got its name from planks used to strengthen your abs. This exercise looks simple but really challenges your core. It will help keep your back healthy and flatten your lower abs, getting rid of your belly pooch.

1. Get in a raised push-up position and place forearms on the floor to hold pose.
2. Keep back flat and belly in.
3. Hold pose for 30-90 seconds.

Muffin-Top Eliminator

The midsection really gets an awakening with this exercise. It works out the oblique’s and really focuses on the muscles on your abs and back. It also helps to develop spinal mobility.

1. Stand with your feet underneath your hips.
2. Take your left hand and reach down towards your toes, and then place your right arm on your waist. (To challenge yourself a little more, have one arm reach towards your toes and then the other arm reaching towards the ceiling).
3. Alternate sides with left and right arms.
4. Try starting with 100 reps.

Love Handle Blaster

Targeting your oblique’s (the muscles at the sides of your abdomen), these leg lifts will both shrink and define your waist.

1. Lie on the floor (on a mat if you prefer) on your right side with legs straight.
2. Squeeze your bottom and pull your belly button back in towards your spine.
3. Rest your head on your arm. Place your left hand on the floor in front of you for balance and then flex your feet.
4. Keep your left leg straight and raise it in line with your body until you feel your oblique tightening, and hold for a couple of seconds. Lower your leg with control.
5. Aim for 10 reps on each side.