For many women, achieving a lean and toned midsection is a challenge. This is often due to the fact that women have wider pelvises and longer waists than men. However, visible abdominal muscles aren’t impossible — you just need to commit to doing more than standard sit-ups. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 10 best ab exercises for women. These exercises are not only effective, but they are also challenging enough to produce results!
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
- The first exercise on our list is the Pilates roll-up. This exercise is great for toning the abs and improving flexibility. To do this exercise, lie down on your back with your legs extended in front of you and your arms by your sides. Slowly sit up, reaching for your toes as you go. Then, roll back down to the starting position. Repeat this movement for 30 seconds to one minute.
- Next up is the Russian twist. This exercise works the obliques — the muscles on the sides of the waist — as well as the rectus abdominis, or “six-pack” muscle. To do this exercise, sit on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lean back slightly, keeping your back straight. Then, twist your torso to the right, then to the left. Repeat this movement for 30 seconds to one minute.
- The third exercise on our list is the ab bicycle. This exercise works the rectus abdominis muscle groups in both the upper and lower abdomen. To do this exercise, lie down on your back with your hands behind your head and your knees bent at 90-degree angles. Slowly lift your shoulders off the ground and bring your right elbow to meet your left knee. Then, switch sides by bringing your left elbow to meet your right knee. Continue alternating sides for 30 seconds to one minute.
- Fourth on our list is the Pilates scissor. This exercise works the lower abs and is a great way to tone the muscles in this area. To do this exercise, lie down on your back with your legs extended in front of you and your arms by your sides. Slowly lift your head and shoulders off the ground and bring your right hand to meet your left foot. Switch sides by bringing your left hand to meet your right foot. Continue alternating sides for 30 seconds to one minute.
- The fifth ab exercise on our list is the side plank. This exercise works the obliques — the muscles on the sides of the waist — as well as the deltoids, or shoulder muscles. To do this exercise, lie down on your right side with your legs extended and your feet stacked on top of each other. Then, prop yourself up on your right elbow and raise your hips off the ground. Hold this position for 30 seconds to one minute, then switch sides and repeat.
- Up next is the ab rollout. This exercise works the entire abdominal muscle group, including the rectus abdominis and the obliques. To do this exercise, kneel on the ground and place your hands on an ab roller (a small wheel that you can roll back and forth). Slowly roll the ab roller away from you, extending your arms in front of you as you go. Then, roll it back toward you to return to the starting position. Repeat this movement for 30 seconds to one minute.
- The seventh ab exercise on our list is the Pilates hundred. This exercise works the entire abdominal muscle group and is great for toning the muscles in this area. To do this exercise, lie down on your back with your legs extended in front of you and your arms by your sides. Raise your head and shoulders off the ground and pump your arms up and down rapidly for 100 counts. Then, lower your head and shoulders back down to the starting position and rest for 30 seconds to one minute.
- Eighth on our list is the standing side Crunch. This exercise works the obliques — the muscles on the sides of the waist — as well as the rectus abdominis, or “six-pack” muscle. To do this exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands behind your head. Then, twist your torso to the right, then to the left. Repeat this movement for 30 seconds to one minute.
- Ninth on our list is the Pilates side bend. This exercise works the obliques — the muscles on the sides of the waist — as well as the rectus abdominis, or “six-pack” muscle. To do this exercise, lie down on your right side with your legs extended and your arms by your sides. Raise your head and shoulders off the ground and reach your left hand toward your right foot. Then, switch sides and repeat.
- Last but not least is the ab curl-up. This exercise works the rectus abdominis, or “six-pack” muscle. To do this exercise, lie down on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Place your hands behind your head and curl your torso up toward your knees, then lower back down to the starting position. Repeat this movement for 30 seconds to one minute.
So there you have it — the top ten best ab exercises for women! Give these exercises a try and see how quickly you start to see results.
FINAL NOTE
If you’re looking to see improvement in your exercise routine, consistency is key. Remember to take things slow and easy – don’t push yourself too much. If you can stick to a routine and gradually increase the intensity of your exercises, you’ll see results. Make sure you focus on your breathing, and keep your movements fluid and controlled. It may take some time, but with dedication you’ll be able to reach your fitness goals.
Also, working with a fitness coach can give you the motivation and accountability you need to stick to your workout routine. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, or if you’re not seeing results, a fitness coach can help you troubleshoot and make necessary changes.
If you’re interested in working with a fitness coach, contact Rita Trotter today, and she will help you create programme to help you lose those belly fats.