Although summer and bikini season may be winding down, there’s never a bad time to get your workout routine into gear and start working towards the body of your dreams. If you’re like many people, you may want to focus specifically on your midsection. In addition to prioritizing a healthy diet and cutting out belly fat-forming foods, there are several exercises you can add to your routine that can help sculpt and tone your tummy.
To discover a few of the best moves out there for a sculpted stomach, we spoke to Mary Sabat, nutritionist and personal trainer. She told us that Russian twists, leg raises, and hanging knee raises are three exercises you should definitely try out as you work towards a toned midsection. Learn more about each below!
1. Russian Twists
If a “snatched” waist is what you’re after, Sabat says you should add some Russian twists to your workout. “Russian Twists work the oblique muscles, which are crucial for achieving a well-defined waistline,” she explains. She told us how to do them, step-by-step:
1. Sit on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat.
2. Lean back slightly while keeping your back straight and your core engaged.
3. Clasp your hands together in front of you and lift your feet a few inches off the ground.
4. Twist your torso to the right, bringing your clasped hands towards the ground next to your hip.
5. Return to the center and then twist to the left.
2. Leg Raises
In addition to infamous planks, crunches, and sit-ups, leg raises are another fantastic core exercise that can target your lower abs as well as your inner thighs. “Leg raises primarily target the lower abdominal muscles and help improve overall core strength,” Sabat tells us. She explains how it’s done:
1. Lie on your back with your hands by your sides and your legs extended.
2. Keeping your legs straight, lift them off the ground until they form a 90-degree angle with your torso.
3. Slowly lower your legs back down without letting them touch the ground, then lift them again.
3. Hanging Knee Raises
Like leg raises, hanging knee raises work your lower abs. According to Sabat, this move will also work your upper abs and your hip flexors, all of which can help you take one step closer towards your dream body. Here’s how it’s done, per Sabat’s instructions:
1. Find a pull-up bar or similar structure that can support your body weight.
2. Hang from the bar with your arms fully extended.
3. Engage your core and lift your knees towards your chest.
4. Lower your knees back down with control.
5. This exercise engages both the upper and lower abdominal muscles, as well as the hip flexors.
The bottom line
So, there you have it: three of the best core exercises (that are more than just planks and sit-ups!). However, while you curate your ideal workout routine and make strides towards a sculpted physique, it’s also important to remember that there are other factors to consider in addition to exercise.
“Remember that achieving a sculpted midsection also requires a balanced diet, overall cardiovascular exercise, and sufficient rest. Consistency and proper form are key to seeing results,” Sabat concludes.
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