Just cos you can’t get to the gym doesn’t mean giving up on your goal of sculpted abs. Believe it or not, rock solid abs can be achieved from the comfort of your home! Want to know how? Well, you’re in luck! Fitness Trainer and Content Creator Elliot Burton has shared his go-to exercises to carve killer abs.
“More often than not, those looking to get ripped and to achieve shredded abs will look past the most important factor: nutrition," Elliot says. "You can do as many crunches as you like, but if your body fat percentage is too high, they simply won’t be visible. And, when it comes to lowering your body fat percentage, what you’re eating – and how much you’re eating – is key".
Diet plays a huge part when it comes to sculpting killer abs, but, once you’ve got that locked down, you’ll need to ensure you’re working in some key ab exercises into your workout regime to keep that six-pack sharp. Luckily, Elliot has shared 5 of his faves and, guess what? They can be performed absolutely any where so not excuses!
ELLIOT BURTON'S GO-TO AB EXERCISES
1) PLANK
An abs staple, the dreaded plank is a killer, but for good reason. This exercise not only works the abs, but is great for improving posture, flexibility and ultimately strengthening the core.
2) LEG RAISES
Another essential exercise to add to your abs routine, leg raises focus predominantly on developing and strengthening the lower abs, an area which is quite often neglected with the over-use of exercises such as crunches and sit-ups. A progression of this movement is the hanging leg raise, performed whilst hanging from a pull-up bar – be warned, this one isn’t for the faint hearted, but you’ll certainly see the results if performed consistently.
3) REVERSE CRUNCHES
The reserve crunch is a personal favourite of mine and, when performed correctly, can be extremely effective in developing a rock-solid core. Lying flat on the ground, with your knees raised and hands beneath your bottom, simply lift your feet off the ground and draw your legs into your torso and then back again – that’s one rep. It’s a great alternative to regular crunches and, similar to leg raises, this move really works the lower abs, which is vital if it’s a six-pack you’re going for rather than just a four-pack!
4) BICYCLE CRUNCHES
Here’s one for your upper abs and obliques. In order to really see the benefit from this exercise, ensure to slow things down; often, bicycle crunches are performed incorrectly, with many rushing through them. For best results, simply lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground – pull in your navel to target those abs even further. Place your hands behind your head and bring your knees in towards your chest, lifting your shoulder blades off the ground. Straighten one leg out in front of you and twist your body towards the opposite knee, touching the knee with your elbow. Repeat on the opposite side and for a total of 20 reps.
5) SIDE PLANK
“Another plank?!”
Yep, and before you dismiss this vital move, hear me out. The side plank is arguably one of the most effective exercises for developing obliques and strengthening the core, making it a must-have addition to your regime. Like the standard plank, it’s a movement that encompasses more than just the core, strengthening the shoulders and testing out your endurance too!
When performed correctly, these exercises prove to be extremely effective in building strong and defined abs, however, in order to achieve maximum results, it’s vital that you:
1) Maintain correct form throughout
2) Do not rush the movements – instead, keep them slow and controlled and ensure maximum time under tension
3) Control your breathing
NEED AN EXAMPLE?
Here's an example ab circuit that Elliot has put together so you can get those abs working from the comfort of your home!
Are those abs burning yet?! If you're looking for more six pack tips, head ever to Elliot's Instagram, where he posts his daily workouts and fitness and nutrition tips. If you're looking to add some excitement to your home workouts, take a look at the 5 pieces of home workout equipment we think you should invest in today!