Most ab workouts don’t tell you this, but they largely target your upper abdominals while leaving the lower ones largely unworked. That’s why you might notice that your upper abs are getting toned, but your belly still isn’t quite as flat as you want it to be. These five core moves specifically target the lower abs so that you’ll be rocking a full six-pack in no time.
Tap To The Beat
Heel taps: lie on your back and place your hands beneath your butt. Now bend your knees and lift them so that your calves are parallel with the floor. Flex your feet, tighten your core, and lower one heel to the floor and tap. Raise that leg back up, then lower the other heel to the floor and tap. Do this for 30 seconds.
Like Jumping Jacks, Only Not
That’s right, it’s plank jacks. Start out by getting into the high plank position, your hands and feet shoulder-width apart. With your core flexed, begin jumping your feet in and out as if you were doing jumping jacks. Continue for 30 seconds. Make sure your core is tight throughout this move to get optimal results.
This One’s A Doozy
Slider pike: grab two sliders or towels and get into high plank position with one foot on each slider. Tighten your abs and pull both feet forward toward your hands, keeping your legs as straight as you can. Now push your feet out slowly until you are back in the original high plank. If this is too difficult, try with just one leg at a time. Keep going for 30 seconds.
Remember The High Dive?
Do the jack knife. Lie on your back with your legs straight, feet together, arms raised above your head. Breathe in, and as you let that breath out, engage your core and raise your right arm and left leg simultaneously. Your hand should touch your foot. Inhale, slowly lowering to starting position as you exhale. Repeat for 15 seconds, then do the same move with the opposite arm and leg for another 15 seconds.
It’s The Motion of the Ocean
Boat pose: sit with bent knees, feet on the ground. Grab your legs beneath your thighs just above the knee. Now lean back a little and lift your feet up so that your shins are parallel to the ground. Straighten your arms straight out in front of you, palms down. Tighten your core and slowly straighten and lift your legs until your body is in the shape of a V. Hold in this position for 30 seconds.