Standing oblique twist
Nat says: This is a great exercise to throw in after your main workout as it focuses on the outer sides (love handles) of your tummy.
How to do it:
- Standing up, pull your abs in and tuck your pelvis under.
- Rotate just your torso from side to side, making sure to keep your hips still.
- Perform 20 reps for 3-4 sets, with a short rest in between each set.
Hot tip: A plate works really well for this exercise, but you can use whatever you have access to. If you’re at the gym, take advantage of the cable.
Wide star push up
Nat says: This is a little different from the standard push-up we all know (and some of us love). It’s not for the faint-hearted and it will test your strength and power, but it will get you results.
How to do it:
- Spread your hands and feet wide. (With a normal push up, your arms are wide and your feet are hip-width; for this one, you want to widen everything.)
- Starting in this position, lower your body down until your elbows bend. Keep your abs super tight and push with both your feet and arms.
- Aim for 8-10 full push ups.
- Repeat 3-4 times, resting in between.
Hot tip: The slower you lower down, the better. It will burn, but try to take your time on the way down before pushing up a little more quickly. Increase the reps as you get stronger.
The ab diet
If you’re serious about revealing the abs lying beneath your tummy, you need to play close attention to your diet. Nat suggests ditching processed foods and loading up on fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, legumes, eggs, nuts, good oils and wholegrains.
What’s out:
- Sugar (e.g. soft drinks, high fructose corn syrup, too much fruit, lollies, refined, raw, juice, white — it’s all the same crap!)
- Sweeteners
- Fake (hydrogenated) oils
- Breads and white processed flours (i.e. wheat)
- Pasta (again, it’s wheat-based)
- Soy
- Boxed foods with ingredient lists a mile long
Eliminating most of these foods can bring about a huge change to your body, especially to your tummy. By practising moderation, eating more fresh foods and choosing smaller portions, you will see consistent changes over time.
Nat Carter is a personal trainer and transformation coach with over 12 years experience. She is the creator of 50daysnosugar, a lifestyle program helping thousands to lose weight and change their habits. For motivation, recipes and workout plans, check out her Facebook page.
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