There’s a difference between shedding a few pounds to look great in your bikini and achieving a toned physique – and the key lies with your core. To get the abs you’ve always dreamed of, try these five fantastic tips.
Use weights
Incorporating lunges and squats using dumbbells into your gym routine, will enable you to build up core strength without putting pressure on previously neglected areas.
Try Pilates
‘It’s great, as many of the exercises focus on improving core stability and strength,’ says yoga instructor Sarah McCourt.
Go to exercise classes
Check out classes such as core conditioning, circuits and ballet-style workouts to build core strength without even realising you’re doing it.
Why is it so important to strengthen your core? Find out here
Perfect your sit-up technique
Sit-ups are the classic exercise for strengthening abdominals, but poor technique will negate any benefits. Start with your knees bent, your lower back against the floor and arms crossed over your chest. ‘Make sure you bend at the waist as you sit up, not at your neck. This prevents pain or injury,’ warns Pilates instructor Martha Purdy.
Don’t neglect your pelvic floor
‘These muscles play an important role in supporting the pelvic organs, plus bladder control and sexual function,’ says McCourt. To strengthen, sit and squeeze the muscles 10 to 15 times in a row. When you get used to doing pelvic floor exercises, try holding each squeeze for a few seconds.
Follow this advice and you’ll have improved your core strength in no time.