Life as a college student means trying to cram in schoolwork, internships, and clubs/organizations all while trying to maintain a healthy social life. Because of this, it can be so easy to lose track of time for exercising and taking care of yourself.
To combat this problem, here are 5 incredibly simple, yet effective exercises to target your abs that can be done in the comfort of your own dorm room:
- Crunches: The small, controlled movements of crunches target your obliques more than sit ups and increase your abdominal strength. Doing crunches can also increase your balance and even help benefit your posture!
- Russian Twists: Staying upright and rotating from right to left, Russian twists not only target the muscles in your core, but also your hip flexors and shoulders.
- Flutter Kicks: The balanced motion of flutter kicks paired with contained kicks primarily focuses on your lower abdominal muscles. Flutter kicks are also excellent for toning your thigh and hip muscles.
- V-Ups: V-ups require your legs to be upright at a diagonal angle and meeting them with your arms in a back and forth “sit up” motion. V-ups attack your internal and external oblique muscles and are excellent at not only strengthening the core, but also at lengthening both your abdominal and leg muscles.
- Dead Bugs: Despite the gross name, dead bugs are actually one of the most effective (yet simple) ab workouts. Starting on your back with your legs up and alternating the extension of each leg, dead bugs target much deeper muscles than most other exercises, such as your transverse abdominis and pelvic floor. Dead bugs can even aid your overall coordination.
Incorporate these exercises into your already existing workout routine, or if you’re feeling bold, combine them for a crushing ab circuit! Spending just a few minutes a day working on your physical health not only improves your body in countless different ways, it translates into a mental health booster, as well. With these quick and easy moves that are sure to make you feel the burn, college doesn’t have to become an excuse to be too busy to fit a routine in anymore.
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