Summer Abs Workout

Hey everyone! This will be my first fitness-related post to my blog and I can't wait to share it with you! It is a bikini-ready summer abs workout! Now, by no means am I a fitness expert nor am I trying to be...this is just an abs series that I put together that I know targets your abs and helps tone your stomach muscles. Try to complete this workout with no stops every other day and you will see results in a matter of time. However, you're not going to get a six-pack after doing this one time so be patient and work on it day by day.

So, the first part of this workout is a fat-blasting cardio warmup to get your heart rate up and burn calories faster whilst toning your abs in the second part of the workout.

Starting with your feet together and hands down by your side you are going to complete 50 jumping jacks! I think we all know how to do jumping jacks but just in case here are some pictures to guide you.

Next, is 25 jumping squat claps! Start in a squat making sure your knees don't go over you toes. Then, swing your arms up and whilst jumping in the air clap your hands over your head.

The 3rd exercise in our warmup will be 20 skater jumps. Basically jumping side to side like you are skating on ice. Opposite arms touch opposite legs while in the side lunge. Be sure to stay in a deep plié throughout the exercise (even when you are jumping) for better and faster results.

The next exercise is one of my least favorite...BUT it is super duper effective! They are burpees! The positive side is we only have to do 10 and then we're done. Burpees begin by standing on both feet -> touch your toes with knees bent -> push out into a pushup position -> bring feet back into a tuck -> stand up, and jump! When you start to get tired remember to keep pushing through, stay focused, and jump as high as you can even when you're legs are exhausted and want to give up.

Now, begins the toning ab workout to tighten and strengthen our stomach muscles to get us bikini-ready for the summer!

First, we have 3 types of crunches-15 each-normal, leg-up, and eagle crunches. The first two are very self-explanatory...now the third crunch is a bit more complex! You start laying flat on your mat and cross your legs over the other. Then, bend your elbows, cross them over one another and finally cross and touch your hands again so you are all twisted up like a pretzel. Next, bend your crossed legs and lift your upper body up into a crunch. It works your upper abs super well and you should start to feel a burn quickly if done properly.

The second exercise is 1-minute of bicycles or criss-cross. These begin with hands behind your neck, shoulders lifted off the ground the entire time, and bending your knee switching it side to side. It is very important that you keep your elbows pressed out to the side (not folding them in to your head) and making sure to be lightly touching your neck (not gripping on for dear life :) )

2 sets of 10 double leg lifts is next on the list. These are very simple targeting your lower abs and burning off those pesky lower ab pouches! Done by slowly lifting both legs up and down making sure to keep your whole back on the ground the entire time. It doesn't matter how far down your legs go as long as your lower and upper back are still firmly planted on the mat!

Only 4 more exercises to go! A tough plank series is next. Starting with 30 plank hip twists dropping both hips to each side back and forth. One side on the ground counts as 1 rep. Then, without a break go straight into 30 plank dips dropping hips down and back up. Finally, finishing with a 30 second plank hold! Throughout this series it's vital that you keep your body in a straight line; rather than sagging your hips down too low putting pressure on your back, or sticking your butt up into the air for a rest. You will feel SO much better afterwards knowing that you did it the right way not cheating yourself out!

The next exercise is one of my favorites-40 Russian twists! This is great for your obliques (side of your stomach). You can either complete these twists with your feet up in a 90 degree angle [advanced] or with your feet flat on ground [beginner]. Hands are clasped together, elbows out to the side, and leaning back so you are at an angle and can feel your abs working. Lastly, twist from side to side touching an elbow to the mat and an elbow to the opposite leg each time.

Are your abs burning yet?? You're almost there so don't give up now! We have 25 reptile jumps up next. Beginning in a push-up position, back flat; you are going to jump one foot out into a lunge next to your arm, then with no rest, jump straight onto the other side (same position) back and forth 25 times! Ready? Let's go!

LAST exercise! And I have to say one of the hardest... 1 minute of hollow hold followed by 10 tuck-ups! A hollow hold is a hold on your back with shoulders and legs lifted off the ground. The key to this move is to keep your back rounded and lower back pressed onto the ground. If you start to lift up too much you won't be working anything. Finally, directly after the hollow hold finish out with tuck-ups tucking knees in and out of the hollow hold position!

You did it! You completed this intense, efficient, active workout and are one step closer to your dream stomach perfect for summer! Work on this every week and I assure you, you will see results you just have to be patient and give it time. I hope this made you sweat and get a good workout in for the day. Comment what part of your body you want a workout for next...arms, legs, calves, butt?