When it comes to sculpting your dream body, the idea of instant results sounds undeniably appealing. This is especially true when it comes to killer abs. The problem lies in exactly how to get there in a reasonable amount of time, because of course we want them now. We’re here with some expert-approved exercises for instant abs that you can start putting to good use ASAP.
Eat this, not that! was talking with Tyler Reada personal trainer who has been in the world of health and fitness for the past 15 years, and the founder of PTPioneer.com. Read on to share these five simple yet effective exercises for instant abs that trainers love, and so will you!
So put on your workout gear and keep reading to learn all about them. Next, don’t miss the best 5-minute mat workout for Washboard Abs.
If you opt for deadlifts, you need to have a loaded barbell in front of you. According to WebMD, your feet should be approximately shoulder width apart. The barbell should just touch your shins.
Next, assume a sitting position. Your chest and back should be straight as you look forward. Then, grab the barbell with an “over-under” grip; one hand should be above the bar, while the other should be below for extra strength.
Move your hips forward, and stand while pushing your feet into the ground to stay stable. With a flat back, kick your hips back as you return to the starting position, keeping your butt out. The barbell should be on the ground touching your legs. Once you release the bar, return to the standing position.
“The heavy axial load and stabilization of these major exercises creates deep core strength and large muscle mass in the trunk that helps push the abs forward if the body fat is low enough,” Read tells us.
To set up for this exercise, hang onto a chin-up bar with both hands, arms extended. According to Bodybuilding.com, Roll your pelvis back a little, then bring your legs to form a 90 degree angle with your torso. Breathe in while holding your legs in this position for a moment. Slowly lower your legs to the position you started while inhaling.
Read notes, “With straight or bent knees, hanging leg raises abs and hip flexors together, making sure to crunch your abs as you raise your legs.”
According to Muscle Rupture, you can “sprint your way” to washboard abs. Adding sprints to your routine can help you sculpt muscles, build your speed, and get defined glutes, quads, and hamstrings. Additionally, this vigorous form of cardio can help strengthen your core and back.
Read adds, “Sprints burn tons of calories, build muscle, and give you a metabolic boost that can help melt the stomach fat that hides the abdominal muscles.”
If you opt for a Russian twist, you will start sitting on the floor, Master Class he explains. Keep your legs together, and bend your knees. Both feet should be on the floor or raised slightly above it. Lean back so that your body forms an angle of 45 degrees with the ground. Your knees should be bent to make a 90 degree angle. Activate your heart.
You can do this exercise with a weight plate, dumbbell, or medicine ball in both hands. Slowly switch between rotating your body and weight to the left and right side. Make sure your lower body remains still as you rotate.
“Incorporate a twisting motion to hit the obliques, which gives a full core look and emphasizes definition on the sides of your body,” Read suggests.
It’s time to wrap up our exercises for instant abs with three options: toe toe, seated knees to chest, or V-ups. If you are touching toe to toe, this core exercise requires you to lie on your back and bring both legs towards the sky, The gymnastics group he explains. Your arms should be straight and extended forward.
Crunch your body as you reach up to touch your toes. The Gym Group notes that your upper back, head and shoulders should stay off the floor when you do this exercise.
“These core exercise variations are a great way to end your workout and give you that final ab activation/pump to help define the muscles in the area,” says Read.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Alexa Mellardo
Alexa is the deputy editor of Mind + Body at Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel and providing readers with fitness, wellness and self-care topics. Read more about Alexa