If you're looking to change your abdominal exercise routine, consider adding dumbbells to the mix. Adding variety is beneficial because your core muscles grow accustomed to moves if you do them regularly. Purchase a set of light dumbbells if your workout is getting too easy. By incorporating weights into your routine, you add difficulty and variety.
Step 1
Perform the Torso Tightener with a light dumbbell. Stand with your feet extended wider than shoulder-width apart. Turn your toes out about 45 degrees, and extend your arms out from your chest with one end of a dumbbell in each hand. The dumbbell should be parallel to the floor. Lower into a plie squat, keeping your back straight. Avoid letting your knees go pass your toes and hold your abs tight. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions. In addition to working your abs, this move also strengthens your obliques, butt and legs.
Step 2
Do the Woodchop with Dumbbell, which strengthens shoulders, abdominal muscles, obliques, glutes, quadriceps and hamstrings. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the dumbbell in front of you with both hands. Contract your abs and squat, bringing dumbbell toward right foot. Be sure to keep your shoulders down. Lift back up by using your abdominal muscles and glutes as you bring the dumbbell diagonally across your body to left shoulder. Use a dumbbell weight that allows you to perform this move 12 times, then switch sides and repeat.
Step 3
Perform the Single Dumbbell Weighted Sit-Up to work your abs and shoulders. With a dumbbell in your left hand, lie on your back with your feet wider than shoulder width apart. Raise your left arm straight up with your palm facing your feet and extend your right arm on the floor out to your side. Slowly sit up while keeping your legs and right hand on the floor and left arm lifted up. Lower and repeat. Perform this move with your other arm after 30 seconds.
Tips and Warnings
- Choose a dumbbell weight that makes the last repetition of each set difficult to perform.
Things You'll Need
- Dumbbells
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