Tone Your Abs With Gym-Free Workouts

Program Description
Ripped abs do not necessitate hours at the gym. Many effective abdominal exercises can be done in your own home, with or without special equipment. These types of exercises can save you time and money, while enjoying the outdoors or the privacy and convenience of your own home.

Actions
1. Begin with sets of standard crunches daily, lying on your back and lifting your chest and head upward toward the ceiling in a repetitive motion.

2. For greater resistance, purchase a 5 - 8 lb. medicine ball and hold it to your chest as you perform crunches.

3. Fitness tubing can be used to strengthen abs by standing on the center of the tubing and holding the handles to your chest. Bend forward to a 45 degree angle, then stand, focusing on your abs for strength. Perform at least 3 sets of 12 - 15 repetitions daily.

4. For cardio as well as toning, try bicycle crunches. Begin in standard crunch position on your workout mat with your hands resting gently behind your head. Cycle starting with your right elbow to your left knee and vice versa, peddling your feet as though on a bike for 3 - 5 minutes at a time.

5. In between sets of crunches, try holding your body in a plank position. Lie face down on your mat, resting on your forearms and your toes. Be sure to tighten your abs as well as your gluts. Hold for 20 - 60 seconds at a time.