Getting a hard core is a dream that most women would love to have, but dreaming alone won’t do anything. You need to work on it to see those six pack abs appearing in your midsection. The problem, however, is that most of us don’t have time to go to the gym for some serious core training because of our busy schedule. Although we do workout from time to time, it is never enough to see that flat and toned midsection that we want.
But do you really need to spend hours in the gym just to get rid of all the flab in your tummy? How about getting your muscles toned and strengthened in just six minutes? Sounds crazy? Well, if you have less than ten minutes to train, why not try these exercises to give your core muscles the challenge that they need to develop some serious muscles and strength?
High plank knee to elbows
Planks are good for training the entire body but if you want to go the extra mile to really focus on your core, add some knee to elbows while in a plank position. In this exercise, you should start in high plank where your arms are straightened and your legs extended behind you and resting on the balls of your feet. Tighten your core so that your body remains straight from your shoulders to your heels. Engage your core as you bring your right knee towards your right elbow. Go back to your first position and do the same with your left knee. This completes one rep. Do as many reps as you can for one minute.
Swimmer
Lie face down with your arms and legs extended. You will need to extend your spine and then lift your chest as well as thighs off the floor. Let your arms and legs hover. Reach your right arm and your left leg toward the ceiling while retaining the extension and keeping your torso steady. Switch sides quickly just like you do when swimming. Continue this movement for a full minute.
Ab Bikes
Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and elbows sticking out to the sides. Your knees should be bent. Raise your head and upper shoulders then twist to the left. Raise your left knee at the same time to touch with the right elbow. Keep your core engaged. Do the same with the left elbow to your right knee. Continue alternating for a full minute.
Opposite Arm and Leg
Another core workout that you can do is the opposite arm and leg. Go into high plank position with your core engaged and your back straight. Raise your left arm and right leg and hold for a few seconds. Go back to your first position. Now raise your right arm and left leg and hold for a few seconds. Continue alternating for 1 minute.
Roll Up and Lift
Lie face up with your legs extended at 45 degrees, abs engaged, your head and shoulders raised, and arms positioned on either side of your knees. Lower your head back to the floor gently while engaging your lower abs to lift your hips off the floor. Press your hands on the floor to keep you steady. Roll back to your first position. Do as many reps for 1 minute.
Plank Jacks
You should also do plank jacks to tighten your core. Go to high plank with your legs together. Now jump up while opening your legs before landing. Jump back to your first position. Do as many plank jacks as you can in one minute.
