These must-have exercises will help you tone up your stomach, and the best part is that they can be done virtually anywhere. Whether you're looking for a new circuit for the gym or moves to do during a commercial break at home, these exercises deliver.
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14 Must-Have Moves for Toned Abs
Written by
ACTIVE.com
Abdominal muscles are notoriously tricky to develop. Though there's certainly some truth to the idea they're made in the kitchen, that doesn't mean you can skip out on strength training when it comes to your abs.
These must-have exercises will help you tone up your stomach, and the best part is that they can be done virtually anywhere. Whether you're looking for a new circuit for the gym or moves to do during a commercial break at home, these exercises deliver.
These must-have exercises will help you tone up your stomach, and the best part is that they can be done virtually anywhere. Whether you're looking for a new circuit for the gym or moves to do during a commercial break at home, these exercises deliver.
Accordions
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Sit in a "V" position with your knees bent and your arms outstretched or behind your head. Unfold your body, keeping your core tight and controlled, then return to your starting position.
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Fitness Classes Near YouBird Dogs
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Start on all fours with your knees under your hips and your hands beneath your shoulders. Extend your right leg behind you and extend your left arm in front of you. Slowly raise your arm and leg, being careful not to arch your back. Squeeze your abs and glutes, then slowly lower your arm and leg to starting position. Alternate sides.
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Fitness Classes Near YouAb Slide Outs
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Start on all fours with your knees stacked under your hips. Using an ab roller, towel or even a paper plate, stretch your arms out in front of you until you're nearly parallel to the floor. Then use your abs to pull yourself back to the starting position. Focus on keeping your stomach tucked in. Beginners may need to work their way up to the full extension.
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Fitness Classes Near YouBurpees
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Begin by standing up straight, then squat low to the ground and position your hands on the floor in front of you. While contracting your abs, kick your feet back to a push-up position. Complete one push-up, then immediately jump your feet back to the squat position. Jump once before squatting back down and repeating the process.
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Fitness Classes Near YouLeg Raises
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Lay flat on your back with your arms on either side. Keeping your hands stuck to the floor and your upper body still, use your abs to bring your legs up to a 90-degree angle. Swing them back down without touching the ground.
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Fitness Classes Near YouFlutter Kicks
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Lie on your back with your arms by your side. Elevate your head until your shoulder blades are just off the floor, and lift your feet six inches off the ground. Alternate kicks, keeping your upper body elevated and tight and your abs contracted.
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Fitness Classes Near YouMountain Climbers
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Starting in a push-up position, quickly bring one knee to your chest, and then switch to the other knee. Perform this move as quickly as possible for full cardio benefits.
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Fitness Classes Near YouPikes
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Think of this move as the opposite of Accordions. Start in an elevated plank position with your feet on a towel or paper plate. Using your abs to pull your feet in, create a "V" position, then slide your feet back to the starting position.
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Fitness Classes Near YouPlank
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Lie down with your forearms on the floor and your elbows beneath your shoulders. Your feet should be flexed with your toes on the floor. Rise up on your toes, so that your body creates a straight line a few inches off the floor. Contract your ab muscles as you hold.
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Fitness Classes Near YouPlank to Push-Up
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Start in plank position on your forearms, then elevate to your hands one at a time, keeping your hips balanced. Do a push-up then return to the starting plank position.
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Fitness Classes Near YouRussian Twists
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Sit in a "V" position with your knees bent and ankles crossed. With or without a medicine ball (up to you), twist your torso from side-to-side in a controlled motion.
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Fitness Classes Near YouSide Plank
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Start by lying on one side with your feet stacked together and your forearm supporting your weight. Using your abs, raise your hips and push up onto the sides of your feet, with your elbow directly under your shoulder. Hold this position. Alternate sides.
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Fitness Classes Near You V-Ups
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Lay flat on your back with arms stretched overhead. Contract up and raise your arms and legs out in front of you in a "V" position in the air. Hold.
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Fitness Classes Near YouWeighted Sit-Ups
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Holding a dumbbell or weighted plate to your chest, perform a traditional sit-up. If exercising at home, use a heavy household item like a gallon of milk or an encyclopedia.