Getting excited for summer but want that summer bod? Are you afraid that your college food went right to your stomach and you have no time to get those abs for your swimsuit? Well, here's some simple, but effective workout moves you can do every day for less than five minutes.
1. 10 regular Crunches
First, doing regular crunches will warm you up before doing anything else.
2. Bicycle crunches
Bicycle kicks are my favorite. By going side-to-side, it not only affects the center of your abs, but get the sides as well. This also involves using your legs and maintaining them in the air the whole time. You also use your abs to do this so you're working them twice as much. You will definitely fill it in your abs and legs after doing these bicycle crunches.
3. Leg lifts
Like said before, when you lift your legs you mostly use your core. You can even twist it up a little and swing your legs back and forth. Either way, it works your abs and legs.
4. Crisscross/Flutter Kicks
Start with your legs outstretched about six to twelve inches above the ground. Then rotate one foot over the other while keeping your upper body still. After awhile, you'll definitely feel the burn in your legs and core, but it is definitely worth it.
5. Russian Twist
I know what you're thinking, it can't be that bad just moving from side to side. Well, if you do it right, it gets to the point where you are sweating in a matter of 15 seconds. Keeping your legs lifted and touching the floor on each side, without cheating, of course, can really make an impact on your abs. Like in the picture shown, you can choose to add weight like a dumbbell, ball or any object lying around.
6. Vertical Leg Crunch
Pretty simple to do, it is just regular crunches but with legs vertical, hence the name. Some people like to cross their legs but it's not mandatory. I prefer not to in order to make it harder and more efficient. Tip for doing this: instead of keeping your arms behind your head, reach up and try to touch your foot, or ankle if your short, to really push yourself. It will force you to do the full movement.
7. Back crunches
I know this seems weird to do, but it works a different area of your abs while also stretching out your back. When I first tried it, it was foreign to me because you're moving in the reverse way than doing a standard crunch. I recommend trying it especially if you have a bad back like me.
8. Bird Dogs
I do this to work on my glutes and thighs. It is not always all about the abs. Sometimes you got to work on the other problem areas. It will assist in toning these areas while working on your abs. By alternating, it will make sure you get both sides equally.
9. Heel Touches
These may feel weird, but this subtle movement of alternating from one heel to the other does magic on your sides. This affects your sides where your hips and waist are. Increase the effect by putting your heels closer together making you reach even farther to touch them. But make sure you keep your torso to the ground. Do not lift your head or neck up.
10. Standard Crunches (Warm Down)
Finish off by doing on last rep of ten crunches to warm down after that core workout.
Once you're done, take a breather and lie on the floor with your arms stretched above your head and your legs straight. It will stretch out all your muscles you just worked, especially your abs.
As someone who understands the importance of burning off that college weight, I know a little goes a long way. This simple workout affects just the right places just in time for summer aka swimsuit season.
