Tired of doing crunches and not getting results?
Here are some TOP Core Crunching Exercises to Tighter Abs!
Did you try the exercises on “How to Tighten Your Core and Tone Your Arms” and find your core and arms both fatigued after the workout and hopefully sore the next day? I sure hope so, as its a great way to tighten and tone. If you have not tried it yet, YOU must try that workout in addition to this Core Cruncher Exercises! I will be showing YOU how to do this awesome Ab Workout with the kettlebell, as I find fabulous results by using this during the workout. If you do not have a kettlebell, I recommend purchasing one, but don’t let that stop you from doing this workout. Substitute a dumbbell weight (moderate to slightly heavy, depending on your fitness level) or even a medicine ball to do the workout.
I suggest adding this workout routine at the end of your cardio (possibly H.I.I.T), arm or lower body workout to make a great overall cardio, toning and tightening program!
KETTLEBELL SWING:
Place your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent, while engaging your core (tuck in your booty and tighten your ab muscles). Bend over and grab kettlebell with both hands while bending knees further but still keeping head elevated and shoulders back. Place kettlebell between your legs and begin to swing and straighten legs all while swinging the bell with arms extending slightly above chest level, then swing back to starting position. Again, don’t forget to keep core tightened…..my clients get so tired of hearing this, but this will protect your lower back! 👍
Do: 5 sets of 20 reps (This will really get your heart pumping!)
WOODCHOPS:
Place your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent, while engaging your core (tuck in your booty and tighten your ab muscles). Bend over and grab kettlebell (by the ball not handle), by your side, with both hands while bending knees further in squatting position, but still keeping head elevated and shoulders back. Place kettlebell in your hands and take the bell from lower right side to upper left side, while extending the bell upwards, then return. Again, don’t forget to keep core tightened…..my clients get so tired of hearing this, but this will protect your lower back! 👍
Do: 3 sets of 15 reps on both sides (This will continue to keep your heart pumping!)❤️
HALO SWING:
Place your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent, while engaging your core (tuck in your booty and tighten your ab muscles). Bend over and grab kettle bell by the handle, and place over your right shoulder and hold on tight with strong arms. Take the kettlebell and move it around your head in a circular motion, all while keeping your lower body strong and tight! Again, don’t forget to keep core tightened…..my clients get so tired of hearing this, but this will protect your lower back! 👍
Do: 2 sets of 10 rotations on both sides
AB CIRCLE:
Place your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent, while engaging your core (tuck in your booty and tighten your ab muscles). Bend over and grab kettle bell by the handle, and place over your right thigh and hold on tight with strong arms. Take the kettlebell and move it around your core (going from hand to hand) in a circular motion, all while keeping your lower body strong and tight! Again, don’t forget to keep core tightened…..my clients get so tired of hearing this, but this will protect your lower back! 👍
Do: 3 sets of 10 circular rotations
AB CRUNCH:
Lay down on your mat with knees bent and lower back off the mat. Grab kettlebell with both hands and place slightly above your abs. Slowly begin to raise head and upper back off the mat while crunching your abs, raising until back is off the mat and kettlebell is raised above knees. Very slowly begin to lower back to the starting position. Again, don’t forget to keep core tightened…..my clients get so tired of hearing this, but this will protect your lower back! 👍
DO: 3 sets of 25 reps
RUSSIAN TWIST:
Sit down on your mat with knees bent while lower back/ upper back/shoulders off of the mat. Grab kettlebell with both hands and place above your abs and to one side while keeping arms tight and elbows bent. Take the kettlebell and twist from the outside of one knee to the next all while keeping your ab muscles engaged and tight. For a more advanced move, slightly elevate your feet so they are not touching the mat. Again, don’t forget to keep core tightened…..my clients get so tired of hearing this, but this will protect your lower back! 👍
DO: 3 sets of 20 reps
YOU’RE DONE……..or if this is your only workout for today, go ahead and do a second round of these exercises for a Ab Workout Day!
Soooooooooo, did you notice the MOST IMPORTANT thing while doing these exercises? I sure hope so! YOU must keep your core tightened to protect your lower back, as that is also what engages your core to better use your abdominal muscles!