Winter is on its way but it's never too soon to get ready for bikini season. Most people picture boring and painful sit ups when they think of ab exercises, but there are lots of other activities that can reduce belly fat and strengthen your core. In this article, we'll discuss some of the simple activities and diet modifications you can do to get slim and trim for the summer.
As you begin your exercise and fitness program it's important that you recognize that results will take time, as well as a lot of dedication and effort. You should also check with your doctor to make sure that you are healthy enough for the program you choose. People with lower back injuries should be especially careful when doing abdominal exercises. To strengthen your core, try using a stability ball to do your crunches instead of lying on the floor. You can also use the small bubble used for physical therapy. Some stability balls have soft rubber spikes built into the surface that give you a wonderful massage as you rock back and forth. If you have a large, sturdy stability ball, then use it at your desk as a substitute for your office chair. By sitting up and balancing your weight on the ball, you'll give yourself an ab workout without even knowing it.
Leg lifts are another effective alternative to sit ups. Lie on the floor with your legs straight out and your hands at your sides. Lift your legs straight up (not bending your knees at all) until they're at a 90 degree angle or as close to it as you can get. Lower your legs and repeat without letting your legs touch the floor. Performing this exercise on a yoga mat will make you more comfortable. If you belong to a gym, there is equipment that will allow you to raise yourself up using your arms as support and dangle your legs. This exercise will help to firm up the lower abdomen. Just be careful not to strain your back.
Ducking and twisting are simple ab exercises that stretch and strengthen your muscles and you can do it as you go about your usual activities. For example, to get an item that is on your right hand side, reach for it with your left hand and vice versa. If you have to look behind you, do it by keeping your hips in place and twisting at the waist. These simple motions stretch your muscles for a leaner look.
Doing ab exercises regularly isn't enough to get sculpted, six-pack abs. Nutrition plays a big part too. Start by giving up high calorie sodas and energy drinks and start reaching for good old fashioned water instead. Ideally, you should be drinking about two liters of water a day. Not only will this keep you hydrated, it will stave off the hunger pangs. You should also avoid sugar and starchy foods like white bread and rice. Your body tends to quickly metabolize these foods into fat. Most importantly, stay motivated and remember that missing a day of exercise or indulging in a piece of cake isn't the end of the world. Simply get back into your routine the next day and look forward to a slimmer, trimmer you.
