If you’re into strengthening your core muscles and getting rid of those belly fat, then ab exercises are what you should add to your daily fitness regime. Ab workout in general offers several benefits, besides tightening your abdominal muscles. They also improve posture, stability, and reduce the risk of lower back pain. In addition, they’re also great at creating a toned and defined midsection, enhancing overall body form and aesthetics. But this is going to take consistency and determination. For those who are beginners, going all in may be challenging. Therefore, here are some low-impact, no jumping ab exercises you can try at the comfort of your home.
Also Read: Weak Pelvic Floor Can Be Strengthened With THESE 5 Effective Exercises
Plank
Here's how you can do a basic plank:
Step 1: Get into a push-up position with your arms straight and your wrists directly under your shoulders.
Step 2: Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels, engaging your core muscles.
Step 3: Hold this position for as long as you can, making sure your hips don't sag or rise too high.
Step 4: Do not forget to breathe and aim to increase your plank duration.
Leg Raises
Here's how you can do leg raises:
Step 1: Lie on your back with your arms at your sides and your legs straight.
Step 2: Keep your lower back pressed against the floor to engage your core muscles.
Step 3: Lift your legs off the ground, keeping them straight and together.
Step 4: Raise your legs until they are at a 90 degrees angle to the floor.
Step 5: Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position without letting them touch the ground, and repeat the movement for 8-10 times. You can increase the reps once you're more comfortable with the exercise.
Reverse Crunches
Here's how to do reverse crunches:
Step 1: Lie on your back, bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor.
Step 2: Place your hands by your sides or under your hips for support.
Step 3: Lift your knees towards your chest by engaging your abdominal muscles and bringing your hips off the floor.
Step 4: Lower your hips back down, keeping control, and do 10-15 reps.
Also Read: The Best Type Of Exercise To Lower Blood Pressure As Per A Study
Russian Twists
Here's how you can do Russian twists:
Step 1: Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat. Keep your back straight.
Step 2: Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground to balance on your sit bones.
Step 3: Join your hands together and slowly rotate your upper body, particularly your torso, to one side, bringing the hands to the outside of your hip.
Step 4: Return to the centre and then twist to the other side, completing one repetition.
Mountain Climbers
Here's how to do mountain climbers:
Step 1: Start with a push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your legs extended backwards.
Step 2: With your core engaged and your back flat, bring your left knee towards your chest while keeping your right leg extended.
Step 3: Switch the position of your legs in a running motion, moving at a controlled pace.
Step 4: Continue this movement, as if you're running in place.
V-Ups
Here's how to do V-Ups:
Step 1: Lie on your back with your legs straight and your arms extended overhead.
Step 2: Simultaneously, lift your upper body and legs, keeping them straight, to create a "V" shape.
Step 3: Reach your hands toward your toes as your body forms a "V."
Step 4: Hold the peak position with your core engaged.
Step 5: Slowly, lower your upper body and legs back to the starting position and do 8-10 more reps.