Creative Ways to Work Out Your Abs
Let’s face it – there are very few people in the world who enjoy doing sit-ups. But there are many other ways to give you abs a work out – it just takes a little creativity! Here are ten exercises you might enjoy.
1. Suck it in – This exercise is a simple way to work out your abs and can be done almost anywhere. Tighten your abs and hold for as long as you can, or perform repetitions. You can do this while sitting in traffic, working on a computer, or watching TV.
2. Dance – Dancing can be so much fun that we forget it’s exercise! Put on your favorite upbeat music and concentrate on holding your stomach in. Moving your hips around will work the oblique muscles as well. You might also think about joining a dance class at the gym or taking a ballroom course.
3. Posture – Our spines and abdominal muscles work together to hold up our upper bodies, so sitting or standing up straight will activate your abs as well. It helps to roll your shoulders back, hold your chin up, and pull in your stomach.
4. Exercise Ball – If you don’t have lots of time to exercise, do some while you’re at work! Sit on an exercise ball instead of your office chair. Your body will constantly try to balance itself, which will work your stomach muscles.
5. Plank – This exercise isn’t as fun as some of the others on this list, but it really works your abs. Lay on your stomach and prop up your upper body with your elbows and forearms on the ground and your hands in fists. Then lift up your lower body so that only your feet touch the ground. You will feel a burning sensation in your abs. Try to hold this position for 5-15 seconds and repeat a few times.
6. Twist and Punch – This is one example of an aerobic move that could make up part of a great workout. Bend your knees with your feet a little more than shoulder length apart. Hold your arms in a boxing position and punch one arm across to the other side of your body, twisting your torso as you do so.
7. Bicycle Legs – Pilates is another form of exercise that really works the abs. For this Pilates move, lie down on your back, put your hands behind your head and lift your shoulders just off the floor. Then lift your legs halfway off the floor and pump your legs like you’re riding a bicycle. Bend one knee in, then the other. If you want more of a workout, try touching one elbow to the opposite knee, alternating as you switch legs.
8. Flutter Kicks – Start in a position like bicycle legs, but keep your legs straight. Lift them a little off the floor and kick one as high as you can, then bring it back to the starting position. Do the same with the other leg, alternating kicks.
9. V-sit – This move tests your ab strength and balance. Lay down on your back. In one swift movement, contract your abs and sit up, lifting your legs to a 45-degree angle and reaching your arms out in front of you (outside your legs). Try to hold this position and then gently release back to the floor.
10. Roll-up – This is another exercise that tests your balance. Sit up with your feet pulled in towards you and your arms wrapped around your legs. Suck your stomach into your spine, then gently roll backwards and forwards again. When you come back to the sitting up position, try to keep your feet from touching the floor by tightening your abs.
NOTE: Remember to consult your physician or physical therapist before starting any exercise program, especially if you have a health condition that might prevent you from doing certain types of exercise.
Brenda Lawrence is a physical therapist whose specialties include rehabilitation and weight loss. She owns the site Physical Therapy Aide for students interested in a career as a physical therapy aide.
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On the Ball: Abs Workout – For Beginners $8.26 On the Ball: Abs Workout – For Beginners |
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Abs Ball Workout $51.43 Abs Ball Workout |
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15 Minute Abs Workout $13.4 Why waste your time with tedious gym sessions, when you can get a targeted express workout with the 15 Minute Abs Workout? This clever package gives you four expertly designed 15-minute abdominal workouts suitable for all levels of fitness. |
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Joyce Vedral: Vertical Abs and Fat Zapping Workout $15.27 Joyce Vedral: Vertical Abs and Fat Zapping Workout |
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The Little Abs Workout Book $2.99 Who doesn’t dream of having better posture, greater overall strength, and less lower back pain – not to mention a tighter, more toned stomach? The Little Abs Workout Book presents more than 25 exercises and challenging workout combinations that fit into a busy schedule and effectively help strengthen the core muscles – leaving readers with the flat abs they’ve always wanted. Complete with easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations, this is an essential pocket guide to a firm, strong, sexy stomach. |
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15-Minute Abs Workout $12.99 If you want to strengthen your torso and flatten your stomach but don’t have the time, find out how by following this Abs workout book. Created in collaboration with the popular boutique chain Sweaty Betty, with a foreword from its founder Tamara Hill-Norton. Forget gyms, expensive kit, and hours of punishing fitness regimes; try these easy-to-follow 15-minute Abs workout routines and get your body tip top in no time. Clear at-a-glance pages show you exactly what to do demonstrating each of the four key exercises so you can master techniques. A total fitness package exercising at home has never been easier or quicker! |
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Pilates Abs Workout DVD $14.98 Set in Maui, the Pilates Abs Workout helps you slim and strengthen the ab muscles through precise, efficient movements. Certified Pilates instructor Ana Caban takes you through a challenging, complete workout including warm-up exercises to stimulate circulation and articulate the spine, challenging mat exercises to condition the core and buttocks and cool-down stretches. (DVD) approx. 30 mins. |
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THE ABS DIET WORKOUT $16.96 Based on the book by David Zinczenko, THE ABS DIET WORKOUT is presented in three parts: diet, exercise routine (circuit training), and abs routine. This video focuses mainly on the circuit training portion of the program, utilizing a supplementary booklet to enlighten the dieter on the other portions. Circuit training is to be done three times a week, with someone to motivate and assist the dieter throughout. Followed strictly, this program is designed to flatten one’s stomach in six weeks. |
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08 Minute Core Workouts: Abs, Arms, Thighs, Buns & Stretch DVD $10.99 From the creators of the original 08 Min Abs comes 5 energizing NEW workouts. This 30 minute workout is a quick-hitting collection of floormat and transitional exercises that will provide the most … |
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10 Minute Solution Blast Off Belly Fat $14.98 No time to exercise?We have the solution for you – the 10 Minute Solution! Everyone can find at least ten minutes in their day and we’ve developed 5 dynamic workouts that are just 10 minutes each. The workouts were specifically designed to attack your midsection from every angle for optimum results. These compact, ultra-efficient workouts fit into even the busiest of schedules. Split them into 5 separate workouts or do them all together for one amazing, belly-fat-blasting workout!Flat Belly Fast: Get a flat belly that will turn-heads. This core- focused segment zeros in on the deepest abdominal muscles with a singular goal: to flatten your belly fast.Pilates Perfect Abs: Pilates is famous for delivering a sexy midsection without traditional crunches or sit-ups. This program delivers those Pilates Perfect Abs.Belly Fat Blaster: Toned, firm ab muscles can be hidden from view by a layer of fat. This standing segment will burn mega calories and bring you that much closer to revealing your chiseled ab muscles.Ab Ripper: Instructor Suzanne Bowen picked her favorite, most effective exercises and put them together into this powerful, 10-minute, all-out attack on belly fat.Six Pack Abs: If you won’t be satisfied until you have washboard abs, let’s hit the floor and crunch it out with this jam-packed workout that will leave you well on your way to six pack abs. |
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10 Minute Solution Dance It Off and Tone It Up $14.98 No time to exercise? Here’s the solution! Everyone can find at least 10 minutes in their day, and these 5 dynamic workouts are just 10 minutes each. The workouts will slim down your entire body and help you sculpt irresistible dancer’s curves using the included dance toning band. Compact and ultra-efficient, you can split these routines into 5 separate workouts or do them all together for the ultimate dance and tone workout! Workouts include Sexy Slimdown, High Energy Fat Burner, Dancer’s Abs, Upper Whole Body Tone Up, and Buns & Thighs Sculpt! |
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10 Minute Solution Dance and Tone Kit $19.97 No time to exercise? Here’s the solution! Everyone can find at least 10 minutes in their day, and these 5 dynamic workouts are just 10 minutes each. The workouts will slim down your entire body and help you sculpt irresistible dancer’s curves using the dance toning band. Compact and ultra-efficient, you can split these routines into 5 separate workouts or do them all together for the ultimate dance and tone workout!Workouts include: Sexy Slimdown, High Energy Fat Burner, Dancer’s Abs, Upper Whole Body Tone Up, and Buns & Thighs Sculpt! |
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10 Minute Solution Kickbox Bootcamp $14.98 NO TIME TO EXERCISE? We have the solution for you — the 10 Minute Solution! Instructor Keli Roberts has developed 5 distinctive and supereffective bootcamp-inspired kickboxing workouts, each one specially-designed to whittle your body into tip-top shape and each one only 10 minutes. Split them into 5 separate workouts, or mix and match to hit your own unique problem areas… or do all of them together for one total-body 50 minute workout!BASIC TRAINING This focused get-you-going segment really lays the groundwork for your total-body fitness goals. Use it as a starting point to prepare for the other segments, or as a stand-alone, calorie-busting workout.UTIMATE BUNS & THIGHS If a toned, tight, strong lower body is what you desire, you’ll find it here! These 10 minutes are jam-packed with fat-burning moves and some unique exercises you’ve never seen or done before and they work!ARM & SHOULDER SCULPTOR Get ready to chisel and sculpt that upper body. This ultra-effective program leads you through punches, jabs and upper cuts and utilizes light hand weights for even faster results.WASHBOARD ABS Everyone wants tight, flat abs and with this program you can get them! Keli combines time-proven abdominal exercises with some ground-breaking techniques so that you’ll see REAL results… fast!FAT BURNING BLAST This energetic segment is all about getting your heart rate up and your body weight down! The Fat Burning Blast is an excellent complement to any of the other segments, or–done alone–it’s an action- packed, ultraefficient way to blast away calories and burn carbs. |
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10 Minute Solution Pilates on the Ball $14.98 No time to exercise? We have the solution for you — the 10 Minute Solution! Everyone can find at least ten minutes in their day, and we’ve developed 5 innovative Pilates workouts that are just 10 minutes each. They will slim, tone and tighten your whole body. Compact and ultra-efficient, these workouts fit into even the busiest of schedules. Split them into 5 separate workouts or do them all together for one incredible Pilates ball workout! Workouts include Pilates for Abs, Lower Body Pilates, Upper Body Pilates, Pilates for Flexibility and Total Body Pilates. |
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10 Minute Solution Yoga $14.98 NO TIME TO EXERCISE? We have the solution for you — the 10 Minute Solution! Everyone can find at least ten minutes in their day, and we’ve developed 5 fabulous yoga workouts, each only 10 minutes. Instructor Lara Hudson has designed the workouts so that you can utilize each individually, or mix and match the sets to create a completely custom workout. Or you can put all five sets together for an incredible 50-minute, total body yoga workout!YOGA BASICS This flowing sequence focuses on basic yoga postures, breathing and techniques. This program is a great way to become familiar with yoga. Even if you’re not new to yoga, you will enjoy the way this segment helps you to feel focused, revitalized and energized.YOGA FOR BUNS & THIGHS Want toned, lean legs and a firm, conditioned butt? Look no further! Lara gracefully guides you through some excellent toning and strengthening postures that really target those lower-body problem areas! After this segment, you’ll feel stronger and become leaner and sleeker.YOGA FOR ABS These 10 minutes are all about getting a flat belly. It can happen! You’ll target your midsection with proven techniques and postures that are challenging but super effective!YOGA BURN Ready to burn some calories and shed pounds? This set really gets you moving and turns up the burn-factor on yoga! Through the use of dynamic movements, you’ll build strength, burn calories and workout your whole body.YOGA FOR FLEXIBILITY & RELAXATION Yoga is really about connecting with yourself and feeling good all over. This segment is a great reward at the end your yoga workout or a long, stressful day–it’s also a fabulous way to start your day out right. Be sure to take these delicious 10 minutes to relax, stretch and feel grounded. |
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11Pcs Resistance Bands Workout Exercise Kit For Yoga, ABS Gym Workout $14.99 Brand New Heavy Duty Premium 15 PCS Resistance Bands Set used with P90X Exercise, Yoga, and other Programs. |
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15 Minute ABS Workout $0.99 Used |
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15 Minute ABS Workout $10.99 New |
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Gymboss GB2010 BLACK SOFTCOAT $19.95 A quality interval timer, such as this compact model from Gymboss, makes it easier to plan and execute challenging workouts. About the size of a small pager, the unit is protected by a rubberized, high-grip finish, and tracks one or two intervals between two seconds and 99 minutes, with a chime and vibration to notify you of each interval. The alarm duration can be set for one, five, or ten second… |
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Taylor Digital Minute/Second Timer $2.93 Easy to read 0.7” LCD readout. Minute/second timing. Times up to 99 minutes and 59 seconds. Counts up or down. Water resistant. Clip/magnet/stand positioning. Uses 1 ”AAA” battery (included). 1 year limited warranty. White…. |
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The Calming Collection – Goodbye Worries. ** Guided meditation to train your mind to quiet your thoughts – Train your mind to quiet your thoughts CD – Hypnotic Guided CD ** $10.42 GOODBYE WORRIES is a program that trains your mind, through the power of hypnosis and meditation, to effectively control worrisome thoughts. It is the second in the series the CALMING COLLECTION. The first of the series is SLEEP SOLUTIONS. Several techniques are provided on both CD’s ,including meditation and hypnosis, which have been found to be highly effective with a wide variety of anxiety iss… |
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Richard Simmons – Disco Sweat $8.03 Disco Sweat is pure Richard Simmons: “get-up-and-dance” oldies and a bevy of exercisers of all shapes, sizes, and clothing styles, shaking their booties with abandon and joy. This time they’re boogying at the “Brooklyn Disco” under flashing lights. The music is all 1970s disco, with songs like “Mighty Real,” “Boogie Fever,” “Born to Be Alive,” “Last Dance,” “I Love the Nightlife,” and “I Will Surv… |
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Pure Nude Yoga- Worship the Sun $1.99 … |
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Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown $7.99 … |
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Tae-Bo Workout: Instructional and Basic (Tae-Bo: The Ultimate Total Body Workout for Men & Women) [VHS] $6.92 Billed as the “future of fitness” and hawked by numerous celebrities, Billy Blanks’s Tae-Bo actually deserves much of the hype it’s receiving. A mixture of boxing punches and martial arts kicks, Tae-Bo is fun and easy. One of the best elements of this two-tape set is that the first tape (which is 40 minutes long), Tae-Bo: Instructional, lays out the movements you need to successfully complete a wo… |
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Jillian Michaels – 30 Day Shred $5.79 No Description Available.Genre: Exercise/FitnessRating: NRRelease Date: 18-MAR-2008Media Type: DVD… |
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FitBALL Exercise Ball Pump $6.95 FitBALL Exercise Ball Pump |
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Exercise ball $371.13 silicone Exercise ball, It is soft, light in weight, and good elasticity |
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Gofit / 65CM EXERCISE BALL WITH / GF-65BALL $31.7 Gofit – 65CM EXERCISE BALL WITH – GF-65BALL |
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55cm Exercise Ball With $18.99 GOFIT GF-55BALL EXERCISE BALL WITH PUMP (55 CM; RED) |
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65cm Exercise Ball With $21.99 GOFIT GF-65BALL EXERCISE BALL WITH PUMP (65 CM; WHITE) |
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75cm Exercise Ball With $23.99 GOFIT GF-75BALL EXERCISE BALL WITH PUMP (75 CM; BLUE) |
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Triad Ball Exercise Ball $35.95 The Triad Exercise Ball was developed by Pilates Master Trainers Michael Fritzke and Ton Voogt to deepen your Pilates workout. The Triad Ball is slightly larger than a mini exercise ball, and it helps you get the benefits of an expensive Pilates studio workout in the comfort of our own home. Not into Pilates? Use the Triad Ball when doing sit-ups to build core strength. |
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Exercise Ball Base $21.41 This Exercise Ball Base is designed to hold a stability exercise ball in place while you perform your favorite core exercises. The large surface and depth of the base lets you receive the benefits of an exercise ball while controlling the ball movement. |