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If you’re cutting cost to save more for your wedding and that pricey gym membership didn’t make the final cut then this one is for you.
Quick! – What’s the first thing you want to improve for your upcoming wedding this year? If you’re like most women, we bet you thought about your stomach first. Whether you’ve got a few pounds to loose or you’re happy at your weight now, no bride would say no to a svelte and firmer mid-section. You can try these practical at home ab movements with basic things you have lying around the house- think a scarf, a chair and a towel. These 3 abdominal exercises are tough enough for you to feel (and see!) the burn while being gentle on your wedding budget!
The Hundred
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All you need is a floor mat, towel or carpeted floor.
Instructions
- Sit tall on a floor mat (or on a carpeted floor) with your knees bent by your chest and your hands at your sides.
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your palms facing down.
- Exhale and raise your head, neck and shoulders off the mat.
- Vigorously pump your arms 6 inches up and down, reaching with your fingertips.
- Inhale for 5 pumps and then exhale for 5 pumps. Be sure to curl your chin in toward your chest.
- Do 100 pumps, or 10 full breaths.
- Try to keep your lower back pressed in toward the floor and keep your lower abs pulled in toward your spine. You should keep your abs engaged this way throughout the workout.
The Abdominal Hold
(Photo Credit: Fitnessmag.com)
All you need is a sturdy chair.
Instructions
- Sit tall on the edge of a sturdy chair (or edge of your bed) and place your hands on the edge with your fingers pointing toward your knees.
- Tighten your abs and bring your toes 2 to 4 inches off the floor. Lift your butt off the chair.
- Hold this position for as long as you can — aim for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Lower yourself down and repeat.
- Continue this exercise for 1 minute.
The Climb Up
(Photo Credit: Fitnessmag.com)
All you need is a scarf or towel.
Instructions
- Start by lying on the floor with a 3-foot-long scarf or towel wrapped around the ball of your right foot, knees bent, left foot on the floor.
- Hold the scarf in both hands, and extend your right leg, keeping your foot flexed.
- Slowly walk your hands up the scarf as you lift your head and shoulders off the floor. Hold for a count of 2.
- Now lower yourself back to the starting position, walking your hands back down the scarf.
- Do two sets of 8 to 10 reps on each side. Be sure to keep your head relaxed – don’t tuck your chin or tilt back.
As with all exercises please consult your doctor before attempting any of these workouts!
Workouts courtesy of Fitness Magazine.com.