By Jimmy Pena, MS, CSCS | Photos by Cory Sorensen
Keeping the pooch at bay is easy with a bit of restraint at the dining table and a bit of work in the gym. Start your ab routine with the reverse crunch and follow it up with exercises such as standard crunches and oblique crunches. Paired with a solid strength and cardio program, your tummy will be taut from top to bottom.
START: Lie faceup with your arms alongside your body, palms down. Raise your legs so your hips and knees form 90-degree angles.
MOVEMENT: Contract your abdominal muscles to pull your knees toward your chest and your pelvis off the floor. Hold for a count and slowly return to the start.
BONUS TIPS:
>> Shoulders remain flat on the floor at all times.
>> Rotate your pelvis completely off the floor for maximum contraction.
>> Hold the peak contraction for two seconds or more.
>> Once you can complete 12-15 reps with ease, try holding a medicine ball between your ankles for added resistance.
