Five moves in 12 minutes create a perfectly-sculpted stomach!
Having a nice, flat belly is obviously great for appearances. As you strengthen its muscles, your stomach gets tighter and starts to look flatter. The importance of abdominal exercise goes way beyond appearances, though. The abdominal muscles are the foundation for the majority of our everyday movements. For this reason, core training is an essential component to getting into the best shape of your life. With this in mind, you’re going to want to give our best tight tummy workout a try!
The Importance of Abdominal Exercise
Before we get to the workout itself, it’s important to make note of the several important functions of the abdominal muscles. Aside from making you look great in bikinis and crop tops, your belly muscles are responsible for:
- Maintaining posture.
- Allowing you to bend forward, side to side, and lean back.
- Helping you sit, stand, walk, and more!
- Permitting rotation of the torso.
- Protecting your organs.
- Assisting in the respiratory process.
The Best Tight Tummy Workout
What you need: a yoga mat or towel / an interval timer / a 5-10 lb. medicine ball or dumbbell
What to do: Perform each of the following moves for the designated amount of time according to your fitness level. Rest for the prescribed amount of time, as well. Complete 2 to 4 rounds, resting for up to one minute between each round. We’ve included instructional videos below to ensure that you use proper form!
Beginner: 30 seconds on, 30 seconds rest
Intermediate: 40 seconds on, 20 seconds rest
Advanced: 50 seconds on, 10 seconds rest
The Exercises
- Long Arm Crunches
- Plank
- Medicine Ball Twist
- Side Plank with Hip Lift (per side)
- Flutter Kicks
Instructional Videos
Long Arm Crunches
Plank
Medicine Ball Twist
Side Plank with Hip Lift
Flutter Kicks
For best results, complete this routine up to four days per week. As you strengthen your abdominal muscles, your tummy will get tighter and flatter!
When working to shed belly fat, it’s imperative that you also maintain a healthy diet. If you need some nutritional guidance, check out these helpful articles and eating plans:
- 7 Tips to Achieve Your New Year’s Weight Loss Goals
- Two Week Weight Watchers Weight Loss Challenge
- 10 Top Weight Loss Tips for Women
- Top 3 Weight Loss Menus to Burn Fat Faster
As always, remember to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of the best flat-belly routines and meal-plans!
