Does this sound too good to be true? How is it possible that you can get an ab workout in without even making a trip to the gym? HerCampus is here to tell you how! I recently wrote an article about fitting in just 15 minutes of strength training during the hectic holiday season (you can read the article at http://www.hercampus.com/school/ucla/holiday-exercise). Using that same idea of working out for just 15 minutes in your own dorm, apartment, sorority house, etc. here are 3 effective ab exercises to get a head start on your summer six-pack! They key is to do all 3 sets of these 3 different exercises.
1. Side Reach
Stand with your feet together, holding ends of one dumbbell (can substitute a water bottle or textbook if you don’t have dumbbells) with both hands, and keep your arms extended overhead. Slowly lean to left and hold for one count and then return to starting position. Repeat on right side and this counts as 1 rep. Do 3 sets of 10 reps each.
2. Bicycle
You have probably done this exercise before but be assured that it is very effective for working the obliques! Start by lying face up on your mat and place your hands behind your head. Bring your left knee into your chest and rotate your right shoulder in to meet your knee. Hold for a second and bring your right knee to meet your left shoulder. Continue switching sides for 3 sets of 15 reps each.
3. Side Plank Dip
Self Magazine wrote an article about how Jennifer Aniston’s yoga moves for flat abs. This is one of the poses! Start in a side plank position on your left side (feet stacked on top of each other, left forearm and left hip on the floor). Lift your hips, creating a straight line from feet to head and extend your right arm up. Hold for 5 seconds and return to start. Do 2 sets of 10 reps on each side.
http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2006/09/ab-sculpting-without-crunches-slideshow#slide=1
http://exercise.about.com/od/abs/ss/abexercises.htm
http://www.self.com/flat-abs-guide/jennifer-aniston-flat-abs-yoga-moves-slideshow#slide=2