Are you ready to whittle your waistline in just 30 days? This targeted challenge focuses on exercises that work your abdominal muscles and obliques to help slim your midsection.
Follow this routine 4-5 times per week for maximum results.
WEEK 1:
Day 1: Planks (3 sets of 30 seconds)
- Start by lying face down on the floor, with your forearms flat on the ground and elbows directly beneath your shoulders.
- Lift your body off the ground by supporting your weight on your forearms and toes, forming a straight line from head to heels.
- Hold this position, engaging your core muscles.
- Maintain the plank for a few seconds to a minute, depending on your level.
- Gently lower yourself back down and rest before repeating.
Day 2: Bicycle Crunches (3 sets of 15 reps each side)
- Lie on your back with hands behind your head, elbows bent.
- Lift your shoulder blades off the floor.
- Bring your right elbow to your left knee while straightening your right leg.
- Twist your torso.
- Alternate sides in a pedaling motion.
- Exhale as you crunch, inhale as you return.
- Aim for reps or time.
- Lower back down and relax.
Day 3: Russian Twists (3 sets of 15 reps each side)
- Sit on the floor with knees bent, feet flat.
- Lean back slightly, engage core.
- Hold a weight or clasp hands together.
- Twist torso to right, bring hands or weight to floor beside right hip.
- Return to center, then twist to left.
- Repeat, alternating sides.
- Exhale as you twist, inhale as you return.
- Aim for reps or time.
- Relax and stretch afterward.
Day 4: Side Planks (3 sets of 30 seconds each side)
- Lie on your side with legs straight and stacked.
- Lift hips using forearm and side of bottom foot.
- Engage core to maintain a straight line from head to heels.
- Hold for a few seconds to a minute.
- Switch sides and repeat.
- Gradually increase hold time as you strengthen your muscles.
Day 5: Reverse Crunches on Exercise Ball (3 sets of 15 reps)
- Lie on your back on an exercise ball, knees bent, feet flat on the floor.
- Engage your core for stability.
- Exhale as you lift your hips off the ball, crunching your lower abs.
- Hold briefly.
- Inhale as you lower your hips back down.
- Repeat for desired reps.
- Cool down with stretches as needed.
WEEK 2: Increase reps by 5 from Week 1 for all exercises.
WEEK 3: Increase reps by another 5 from Week 2 for all exercises. Add weight (such as dumbbells held at chest) to Bicycle Crunches and Russian Twists.
WEEK 4: Increase reps by 5 from Week 3 for all exercises. Add weight to Side Planks and Reverse Crunches.
In addition to the ab exercises, incorporate a 5-10 minute walk or jog after your meals to keep your metabolism elevated. Stay hydrated and well-nourished with lean proteins, fruits, and veggies.
By sticking with this 4-week challenge, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a noticeably slimmer waistline. Take before and after photos to stay motivated! Let me know if you have any other questions.