You’re definitely not alone if you’ve always wished for a flat stomach! It’s a common reason for taking up yoga, running, or exercise. Living well and long into old age with excellent health can be possible if you maintain a healthy waistline. Having a flatter belly can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. While we all look for easy exercises to banish that tummy, we don’t necessarily need to hit the gym to make it happen. Instead, try these convenient belly-blasting exercises in the comfort of your own home.
Easy stomach exercises
Crunches/Sit-Ups – This classic workout is done on the floor. Use a towel or yoga mat to protect your back if you feel uncomfortable. To start one crunch, cross your hands on your chest. Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor. Lift your shoulders with your stomach muscles, leaning against the bed so that it doesn’t hurt. Try to keep your eyes on the ceiling. Don’t look forward, as this can cause neck strain. Ease back down the floor to finish one crunch.
Twisted Crunch – Start in the same position as the standard crunch. Place your hands behind your neck. Then, using your stomach, twist your body so that your right shoulder moves toward your left knee. This knee should also be lifted up during this move. Repeat in the opposite direction – lifting the left shoulder and right knee – to complete a rep.
Crunch Chop – Place your legs next to each other and lift them at a 90-degree angle with the torso. Stretch your arms over your head and cup your hands together. Separate your legs into a “V” shape to do one rep. Lift your body by working your stomach muscles. Bringing your arms in between your legs. Remember to keep your hands together during the entire move. Return to the starting position to finish a single rep.
Leg Lift – Lie on your back and extend your legs. Cross them at the feet. Lift them at the same time, creating a 90-degree angle with your torso. Finish one rep by slowly lowering your legs back down. Make sure they don’t touch the floor. Lift them back up to complete one rep.
Plank – Kneel and extend your body forward, placing your palms on the floor. The palms should be parallel to your shoulders. Extend your legs behind you and lift the rest of your body so that your body is straight. Pretend your back is, well, a plank! If you’re a beginner, hold the position for 3 to 5 breaths. You can increase this count as you build up muscle. Drop your knees down to finish one rep.
Side Plank – Lie on your left side and rest the top leg over the lower one. Extend them so that your body is straight as an arrow! To start a side plank, prop yourself up on your left arm. Your left elbow should be parallel to your left shoulder. Lift your hip and knees off the floor in one motion. Hold this position for 3 to 5 breaths using your stomach muscles to support you. Gently drop your hip and knees back to the floor to complete one rep.
Before starting these stomach exercises, do a quick warm-up to avoid injury. Make sure your workout space is free of random objects and furniture. Most importantly, work at your own pace and be patient with yourself. The journey to a flat stomach will be worth it!
