by Did you know that there is a “fitness age” in addition to your chronological age? Well, you can change your physical age, unlike your chronological age, with just one thing: exercise. And the same goes for your abs. While there’s no surefire way to be forever young, you can definitely do your best to keep your body in shape. The main thing is to feel younger by taking care of yourself. Today, let’s start by toning your abs! Renowned fitness trainer Yasmin Karachiwala recently took to her social media account to share abdominal exercises for adults to tone their core muscles.
Toning your abs isn’t just about how you look, your abdominal muscles play a bigger role in maintaining your overall health. In the long run, a strong core will help you avoid strain or injury as you age. One of the best ways to get a super strong core is through abdominal exercises. And these Pilates moves shared by the celebrity trainer might just be what you need.
5 anti-aging abdominal exercises for adults
The key to keeping your body fit is accepting your age and building strength from it. Here are some ab exercises you should add to your fitness routine: Here are the 5 Pilates ab exercises:
1. Single Leg Stretch
Lie down on a mat with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head, gently supporting it with your fingertips. Lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the mat and engage your core muscles. Bring your knees close to your chest and now extend one straight leg, placing both hands on the opposite shin. Keep your inside hand near your knee and your outside hand near your ankle as you do this. Repeat on the other side. Do at least 6-8 reps of this exercise on each side to get the most out of it.
2. Stretching both legs
Lie down on a mat with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your neck and shoulders off the mat and support your head with your hands. Lift both legs off the mat, bending your knees toward your chest. Extend both arms backward along your head as you lift your legs. Inhale deeply as you stretch your arms and legs away from your torso. Exhale as you bring your arms above your head. Do 6 to 8 repetitions of this exercise.
Read also: Want to tone your abs? Trust these seated exercises to get the job done
3. Single Straight Leg Stretch
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your head, neck and shoulders slightly off the mat. Extend your left leg directly toward the ceiling so that you maintain a 90 degree angle between your leg and the floor. As you lift your left leg, reach your right hand towards your left ankle. The other arm stays by your side. Keep switching legs. You should do 6-8 repetitions of this exercise.
4. Double Straight Leg Stretch
Lie on your mat, lower back pressed against the mat, head, neck and shoulders off the floor. Place your hands behind your head to support it. Keep your legs straight and together, maintaining a 90 degree angle with the floor. Inhale as you lift your legs toward the ceiling, keeping your legs straight and engaging your core. Now exhale as you lower your legs towards the mat. Do at least 6 to 8 repetitions of this exercise. You can increase the reps gradually.
Read also: 5 reasons why you need to elevate your legs daily
5. Crisscross
Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and hands gently supporting your head. Lift your head and shoulders off the mat slightly while keeping your core engaged. Lift both feet off the floor forming a tabletop position with your knees at a 90 degree angle. Now rotate your torso to the right, bringing your right shoulder to your left knee and extending your right leg while rolling over it. Exhale as you switch sides, twist to the left, bring your left shoulder to your right knee, and extend your left leg straight. Remember to engage your heart. Do 6-8 reps on each side to complete one set.
You can do 3 sets of each of these exercises to get the most out of your workout. That said, take the train to get in shape without worrying about your age.
