How To Get A Toned Stomach: Check Out These Simple Ab Exercises | HuffPost Life

Simple Ab Exercises To Give You A Toned Stomach

Rachel Moss— The Huffington Post UK

As part of our Say No To January campaign, we’re refusing to take on unrealistic New Year’s resolutions like “I will go to the gym every day”.

Instead, we’re trying out a few small things that make us feel healthier and are easy to keep up all year round.

Like Sabina Wallace-King’s simple workout for lower abs.

The exercises can be done at home at any time of the day and require no equipment or pricey gym membership.

The first exercise the personal trainer suggests is a leg raise.

To complete this movement, lie down with your legs out straight, keeping them both together. You can give your lower back a little bit of extra support by placing your hands face down under your bum.

While breathing out, lift your legs off the floor until you feel a stomach contraction, then bring your legs down again.

Easy peasy.

SEE ALSO:
30 Day Ab Challenge - Plus How To Do Perfect Sit-Ups, Crunches, Leg Raises And Planks
Four Fitness Apps To Help You Get Fit Without A Gym Membership

The second exercise to help you get defined abs is a crunch.

Again lying back on the floor, lift your legs either with knees bent or with knees straight if you want a more challenging workout.

Put your hands behind your head, breath out and reach your chest up towards your toes. Repeat this movement and you should feel the muscles around your stomach contracting.

The final exercise is a wrap. Simply sit with your legs pulled into your chest and feet raised from the floor, then lower back to a lying position.

Repeat this movement as you should feel your lower abs working.

The 12 Biggest Fitness Myths

Myth: Sit Ups And Crunches Are Most Effective For Six-Pack Abs(01 of12)

Truth: Moves like planks and push ups are much more effective at carving out your ab muscles than sit ups and crunches. These exercises target your whole core and, when combined with cardio and a healthy diet, are the way to strengthen your abs. Watch (credit:Alamy)

Myth: Cardio Burns The Most Calories(02 of12)

Truth: If you want to burn more fat overall -- and keep burning it long after your workout is over -- weight training is the way to go. See more (credit:Alamy)

Myth: Stretching Is Best Before Working Out(03 of12)

Warming up with cardio before a workout is much more effective than stretching. It will get your blood flowing and warm up your muscles, preventing injury. Save the static stretching for after your workout. Watch (credit:Alamy)

Myth: Weight Lifting Will Bulk You Up(04 of12)

Truth: Women aren't built to bulk up the same way men do; females don't have the testosterone levels necessary. Choose heavy weights with less repetitions instead of light weights with higher reps. See more (credit:Alamy)

Myth: You Need Eight Glasses Of Water Daily(05 of12)

Drink as much water as you need for clear urine. We get a great deal of water from food, and if you're not thirsty, there's no reason to force yourself to down another glass. Watch (credit:Alamy)

Myth: Go Gluten-Free To Lose Weight(06 of12)

Unless you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, there's no need to go gluten-free. In fact, many gluten-free items have twice the carbs and much more sugar and fat than the regular versions. See more (credit:Alamy)

Myth: It's Too Late To Get In Shape(07 of12)

Truth: It's never too late to begin a healthier routine. If you don't exercise at all, start by walking 5 to 10 minutes a day, gradually increasing the time and adding in strength training after 1 to 3 months. Watch (credit:Alamy)

Myth: You Need A Long Workout (08 of12)

Truth: Your body starts burning fat as soon as you start exercising.If you can't exercise for the 30 minutes a day recommended for adults, a shorter, intense workout is better than no workout. See more (credit:Alamy)

Myth: You Need A Gym Membership To Get Results(09 of12)

Truth: You don't need a gym membership or major equipment to work out. A yoga mat, resistance band or even a chair are all you need to get a full-body workout at home. Watch (credit:Alamy)

Myth: If You're Not In Pain, You're Not Working Hard Enough(10 of12)

Truth: While muscle soreness is to be expected during a workout, especially if you're trying a new exercise or lifting a heavier weight, but if you're in serious pain, stop what you're doing. It doesn't mean you're working harder -- it means you're probably injuring yourself. See more (credit:Alamy)

Myth: You Can Spot Reduce Fat(11 of12)

Truth: The areas your body stores fat in are genetic. In order to lose weight in one area, you have to lose weight all over. Calories in vs. calories out, in combination with exercise and strength training, are the only ways to "spot reduce" fat. See more (credit:Alamy)

Myth: More Exercise Is Always Better(12 of12)

Truth: Intense exercising every single day will burn you out, making you less likely to maintain a routine. Your muscles need time to recover. You also might not be keeping your form as well during frequent, extra-long workouts. Focusing on a few days of quality exercise a week instead of 7 days of mediocre effort will earn you better results. Watch (credit:Alamy)

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