HEALTH

Let's be real here: No one likes doing sit-ups. The good news? You don't p to do them to get fit and healthy! Check out our four fave no-crunch core moves below.

Elbow Plank
While this type of plank is harder than the traditional “push-up position” plank, it *really* works those abs. Start facedown on the floor, resting on your forearms and knees. Push off the floor onto your toes and rest mainly on your elbows. Try to contract your abs and keep your back flat in order to keep yourself up and prevent your booty from sticking up. Aim for 20-30 seconds, and increase the time as you get better at it.

Scissor Abs
Lie flat on your back and extend your arms so they're against the sides of your body with your palms pressing into the floor. Bend your knees, drawing them toward your ribs. Lift both legs straight up toward the ceiling. Keeping your core strong, slowly lower your right leg down until it is a few inches above the ground. Then slowly scissor your legs, lifting your right leg back up as you lower your left leg down toward the ground.

Donkey Kickbacks
Kneel on all fours, toes tucked under and keep your back neutral. Draw your belly in toward your spine as you contract your abs. Engage your abs as you bring your right knee forward to your nose. Then, kick your right leg straight out behind you, squeezing your booty. Be sure to keep your hips toward the ground in order to protect your back! 

Swan Dive
Lie on your stomach, and stretch your arms overhead. Then, point your toes and lift your arms and legs about 6 inches off the ground. Hold for 1 count, imagining your legs being pulled out and back, away from your hips.  Next, circle your arms out to the sides and behind you. Exhale and reach your arms toward your toes, palms facing in. Hold for 1 count, then bring arms back to starting position and relax entire body to ground. 

How do you keep your abs tight? Let us know below?  

by Serena Patel | 3/10/2019