Ab Workout

Following on from our Ab Basics, here are some ideas to challenge your current ab routine as demonstrated by Go Figure Supergirl Sheta Hall. Enjoy! We also have more video of ab exercises here

However, as we know Go Figure viewers are super strong and love challenging the basic plank, try lifing one back leg off the floor and hold for 30 seconds. Or lift your left arm for 30 secs then repeat.

Side plank. Lie on left side, legs together, feet stacked. Wrap right arm around waist. Keep head and neck aligned with spine. Action: Prop upper body on bent left forearm (be sure elbow is directly below shoulder). Press hips toward ceiling, using abs to stabilize torso. Hold for 30 seconds and work up to 1-3 minutes.
Be sure not to hold breath. Exercise will be easier if feet are staggered instead of stacked.

Roll mouse over image to see movement

		Crunches is a good basic exercise for your abs. Position: Lie on the floor or a mat on your back, with knees bent and hands beside your body. Feet should be flat on the ground. Keep a space between your chin and chest (looking diagonal towards the ceiling). Action: Exhale as you raise your chest until your shoulder blades lift off the floor. Then inhale as you slowly lower back to floor. Don't use your hands and arms to help lift you up - use abdominals and hips.
		Reverse crunches is great to work your lower abs. Position: Lie on the floor or a mat on your back, with knees bent and hands beside your body. Lift legs and bend knees to 90 degrees. Keep a space between your chin and chest (looking diagonal towards the ceiling). Action: Exhale as you pull knees in toward chest and hold for 2 seconds. Inhale as you slowly lower legs back to starting position. Don't use your momentum to swing your legs up. Try to keep the motion controlled by your abs.
		Double crunch is a great exercise to work your upper and lower abs Position: Lie on floor or a mat with legs bent at 90 degree angle and slightly apart, place your arms between your legs. Action: Exhale as you simultaneously lift your head, shoulders, and upper body into a crunch position while bending your knees in towards your shoulders - pushing your hands forward through your legs. Inhale as you lower upper body back to the ground and extend your legs back to the starting position to complete one rep.
		Bicycles Position: Begin by lying on your back, placing your hands across your chest. Hold one leg straight while the other is bent at a 90 degree angle. Action: Move your legs in a bicycle motion. When your left knee is closer to your body, reach your right elbow to it. When your right knee is closer to your body, reach your left elbow to it. Try performing the exercise for 60 seconds in 2 sets.