Quick Ab Workouts

If you have too much flab in the middle...then know this before you start doing a million crunches. All ab fat is not created equal! There are different variables such as genetics, age and pregnancy that determine the amount of flab you will around your tummy. Read on to to get the quick ab workouts and cardio plans for your specific tummy category!

Mommy Tummy - caused by pregnancy

The Plan: Do one set of each move; repeat. Also do 30-40 minutes of cardio (walking, running or swimming) three days a week.

   1. Straight Leg-Stretch - Lie faceup with head and shoulders lifted off the matt with hands behind the head and legs extended toward the ceiling. As you inhale, lower your legs as far as you can without lifting your lower back. Exhale to pull abs in toward spine, bringing legs back to starting position. Do 10 reps.
   2. Recliner - Sit on floow, legs extended, leaning back on elbows, fingers facing forward. Pull your knees into your chest, while keeping lower back rounded. Inhale and extend legs forward 45 degrees; exhale and bend knees back into chest. Keep abs drawn in and back slightly rounded the whole movement. Do 10 reps.
   3. Walk the Plank - Begin in plank posem forearms and toes on the floor, shoulders pulled away from ears, legs together and body in a straight line from head to heels. Pull abs in and lift hips, taking little steps to walk feet toward your elbows. Bring your toes as close as you can towards your elbows, lifting hips into a V position, then take little steps back to plank. Do 5 reps.

Menopot Belly - caused by menopause or perimenopause

The Plan: Do 30 minutes of low-impact cardio at least three days a week. Do this workout once through; working your way up to two times through.

   1. Plank with Alternating Legs - Begin in plank position with palms and toes on the floor, hips lifted and body in a straight line from head to heels. Hold this plank position and while you inhale, bring your left knee toward your navel. Hold for 1 count, then exhale and extend your leg back to hip height. Do 8-12 reps; switch legs and repeat.
   2. Standing Yoga Squat - Stand with heels about 3 feet apart, toes turned out. Cross elbows with palms pressed together. Squat; tilt pelvis forward, engaging abs. Do as many squats as you can for 1 minute, switching arms halfway through.
   3. Flowing Camel Pose - Kneel on the floor with your upper body straight and your arms by your sides. Exhale as you lean back from hips, forming a diagonal line from knees to head. Inhale as you return to the starting position. One final rep, hold for 5 to 10 breaths.

Apple Abs - Caused by genetics and your lifestyle

The Plan: Do 30-40 minutes of cardio at least three days a week. Try interval training at least twice a week to burn extra calories. Do this strength routine twice a week.

   1. Scissors with Resistance - Lie face up with left leg extended toward ceiling and right leg lifted about 6 inches off the floor. Raise your head and shoulders off the floor, twisting upper body to the left as you place left hand on the left thigh and right hand just below the knee. Switch sides, extending your right leg toward the ceiling and left leg 6 inches above the floor; twist upper body to right and place right hand on right thigh and left hand below the knee. Continue for 15-20 reps, alternating sides.
   2. Side Plank Twist - Lie on left side with legs extended and feet staggered. Place your left hand on the floor under your shoulder. Lift hips, straightening left arm while extending right arm toward ceiling over shoulders. Exhale and contract abs, reaching right arm under torso; go as far as you can without moving hips. Inhale and return to side plank. Do 6 reps; switch sides and repeat.
   3. Chopping Wood - Stand with legs shoulder-width apart and feet turned out with toes pointing to the corners, knees slightly bent. Hold a 3-5 pound dumbbell in each hand, resting both hands on the left hip. Squat down, then straighten legs, rotating torso to right as you bring arms diagonally across body toward right shoulder. Repeat, lowering arms back toward left hip as you squat. Keep hips facing forward throughout. Do 10 reps; switch sides and repeat.

I hope these quick ab workouts listed above help with your belly fat. Remember to stay focused and consistent.

For more health and beauty advice visit The Prissy Kitty.

Content courtesy of: Fitness Mind, Body + Spirit Magazine