August 03, 2023 3 min read
We all know that having strong abdominal muscles is important for overall health and well-being. A strong core helps support your spine, improving posture and balance. It also helps with everyday activities like lifting objects and even sitting up straight. But if you're a beginner when it comes to working out your abs, where do you start?
Shop The Collection: Push Up BarsNo matter what fitness level you are, there are effective ab workouts for beginners that will help you get started on the right track. Today we'll look at some of the best ab workouts for beginners that you can do at home or in the gym.
Shop The Gear: CAP Barbell Xtreme Doorway Pull Up Bar, $29.99 CADIf you're just starting out on your fitness journey, it's important to keep it simple and focus on exercises that target your entire core. Here are some of the best ab workouts for beginners:
Shop The Collection: Stability & Balance TrainersThe plank is one of the most popular and effective ab workouts for beginners. This exercise requires minimal equipment and can be done anywhere. To do a plank, start by lying on your stomach on the floor with your elbows bent and palms flat on the ground. Engage your abdominal muscles and lift your hips off the ground so that your body forms a straight line from head to toe. Hold this position for 10 seconds to one minute, depending on your fitness level.
Shop The Gear: BOSU PRO Balance Trainer, $234.99 CADCrunches are another great ab workout for beginners. Start by lying on your back on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands behind your head and curl your upper body towards your knees, using your abdominal muscles. Exhale as you crunch up, then slowly lower your body back down to the starting position. Aim for 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.
Bicycle crunches are an advanced version of regular crunches. They target the same muscles, but require more coordination and balance. To perform bicycle crunches, start by lying on your back, with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands behind your head and lift your shoulder blades off the ground. Then, bring your left knee towards your chest while rotating your torso to the left and extending your right leg out. Reverse the movement and repeat on the other side, alternating sides as you go. Complete 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.
Russian twists are a great ab workout for beginners that helps strengthen your obliques (the muscles on the sides of your abdomen). To perform Russian twists, sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Raise your arms in the air and lean back slightly, engaging your core. Then, twist your torso from side to side, tapping the floor with your hands as you go. Aim for 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.
Leg raises are a great way to work your lower abs. To do a leg raise, start by lying on your back on the floor with your legs extended. Lift your legs up until they form a 90-degree angle with your torso, then slowly lower them back down to the starting position. Make sure to keep your core engaged throughout the entire exercise. Aim for 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.
Mountain climbers are an advanced exercise that targets both your upper and lower abs. To do a mountain climber, start in a high plank position with your arms extended and your core engaged. Bring your right knee forward towards your chest, then push it back and repeat with your left knee. Continue alternating sides for 30 seconds to one minute. Aim for 3 sets.
These are just some of the best ab workouts for beginners that can help you get started on the right track. Remember to always warm up before any workout and listen to your body for signs of fatigue or strain. With consistency and dedication, you'll be on your way to achieving a stronger and healthier core.