How to Build Up Your Body Core
A strong, toned core is super sexy. It keeps your body looking young and athletic, and makes you a gorgeous sight come swimsuit season. It also strengthens your back, improving your posture and helping prevent injury or strain. It's not the easiest thing to accomplish, but with a few good exercises and some willpower and dedication, you can get the hot midsection you've always wanted.
Instructions
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Do 60-second planks. Lie on your stomach and push yourself up with your forearms on the floor and your feet flexed. You should be balanced on your toes or the balls of your feet and your elbows should be bent at a 90 degree angle. This will start to burn pretty quickly, but hang on to the position for 60 seconds, taking care to keep your back and legs in a straight horizontal line.
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2
Do 100 crunches. Focus on form rather than speed, keeping your back stable and your arms behind your neck. Be careful not to tug at your head or you may hurt your neck. As you build up your ab muscles, increase your daily number of crunches. This is a classic and effective staple of an abdominal workout.
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3
Do 100 twisting crunches. With your arms folded behind your head, bring your left elbow to your right knee, then your right elbow to your left knee. This works your oblique muscles, which you may quickly learn haven't been worked very often. But stick with it through the burn--the results are stunning.
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4
Do 50 push-throughs. In the standard crunch position, spread your legs out a bit. Clasp your hands together in front of you and lift your body, pushing your hands between and past your knees.
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