You're more likely to stick to a workout if you actually enjoy it. Although you can tone your abdominal muscles with hundreds of crunches, you may be so bored that you dread going to the gym. Pump up the intensity and the enjoyment of your workout by doing strength training exercises that target both the abdominal muscles and the obliques, on the side of the stomach. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Side-to-Side
Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart and your knees bent. Hold a water bottle horizontally with one end on each end of the bottle. Raise your arms up toward the ceiling so the bottle is above your head. Tilt your torso and arms slightly to the right and forward. Hold for two counts, then go back to center. Repeat on the opposite side to complete one repetition. Continue for a total of 10 reps.
Plank Reach
Get on the floor on your hands and knees, then extend your legs so you are balancing your weight on the balls of your feet. Lower your butt so you are in a plank position, as if you are about to do a pushup. Hold a 5-pound hand weight with your right hand. While holding the weight, stretch your right arm underneath your body and toward your left side. Stretch your right arm back across your body as you rotate your upper body to the right. Reach your right arm up toward the ceiling. Twist your torso back to center, lower your right arm and repeat the exercise again. Repeat eight times, then switch sides and repeat eight times on the opposite side.
Toe Touches
Lie down on your back on a towel or yoga mat with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle and the soles of your feet facing the wall in front of you. Lie your arms down at your sides and put your palms on the ground. Touch the toes on your left leg to the floor, then lift it back up. Touch the toes on your right leg to the floor. Repeat 25 times on each side.
Kettlebell Swing and Hold
Stand up straight with your feet about shoulder-width apart, holding a 6-pound kettlebell in front of your stomach. Hold the kettlebell so your right hand is slightly overlapping your left hand. Bend your knees into a squatting position, then lean over to put the kettlebell between your legs. With your right foot, take one step to the left so both feet are together. At the same time, bring the kettleball up over your left shoulder. Take a step to the right with your right foot as you bring the kettleball back between your legs. Repeat 15 times, then repeat the exercise on the opposite side.
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