Workout Wednesday: Core Moves for Ab Strength

Kick your classic crunches to the curb and get down with these moves from Pilates guru, Leila Cunnigham. They're effective, yet easy enough to do almost anywhere. You'll be on your way to fab abs in no time!

THE "BICYCLE"

Benefits: Strengthens upper and mid abdominal muscles. 

Step 1: Start sitting on your sacrum with your knees bent and feet off the mat. Extend your arms forward and imagine you are holding handlebars.

Step 2: Start moving your legs as if you are pedaling a bicycle while rolling your upper body back and forth from the mat.

Honest Tip: Keep your core engaged throughout the movement. Don’t “collapse” on the way down!

ALL-OVER ABS

Benefits: Challenges oblique and abdominal muscles, while opening the hamstrings.

Step 1: Curl up your upper body with your arms extended in front of you. Bring your right knee towards your chest, then switch sides and bring your other leg up.  Do 6 to 8 reps each side.

Step 2: Extend your legs and alternate them up and down in a scissor-like movement.  Use your arms to pull your leg towards your chest. Do 6 to 8 reps each side.

Step 3: Place your hands behind head with elbows wide. Pull your right knee towards your armpits as you extend the left leg straight out. Curl your upper body higher as you twist.  Repeat the same on the other side.  6 to 8  reps each side.

Honest Tip: Try keeping your pelvis still and your shoulder blades of the mat while moving. Modification: Keep your head down on the mat, lift your legs higher to support your back.  

~Leila, FitPilates

Leila Cunningham is a Certified Pilates Instructor based in Los Angeles, California. When she isn’t sharing her knowledge and passion for Pilates at her studio, she’s spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters. For more fitness tips and easy exercises, check out her YouTube channel.

This post is solely for informational purposes. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for health advice. Before undertaking any course of exercise, you should seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider.