5 effective exercises for toned abs – without sit-ups!

Summer is only a season away and you know what that means – bikinis! Eek.

But don’t panic, those abs are just a few weeks away if you follow these exercises. And there are no sit-ups, because they are the worst, yay!

1. The Leg Pull-ups
Lying on your back on a matt, lift your legs up straight. Now as you go to lower them (slowly) you should feel it in your abs. Do about 10-12 reps with some pulsing in between.

2.The Plank
Yes we know it’s awful, but it’s effective! Lie on your front and lift yourself up on your feet and palms and hold for as long as you can. Try to increase your time each rep. It will get easier!

3. Squat and Twist
Sit into a squat and on the way back up twist to the side. You will feel this in your waist. Repeat 20-30 times each side.

4. Butterfly Kicks
Lie on your back with your legs straight out in front of you. Lift your head and legs up and “flutter kick” your legs. Do it for about 30seconds begin because it will be difficult but you can slowly increase this time.

5. The Cobra
The cobra is more of a stretch, but it is still effective for your abs. Lie on your front, face down with your palms on the ground beside your head. Slowly, lift yourself half-way up and hold. Repeat 5-10 times. This is also an effective back stretch.