Best exercises for a toned tummy
If there is anything that looks super sexy in the summer it's a toned tummy. When you're on the beach in your fabulous new bikini there's nothing better than feeling like your tummy is looking toned and tanned. But if you're stomach is a little less fabulous and a little more flabby worry not! Here are some sure-fire ways to get that beach-ready belly in time for bikini season.
Sit-ups
Sit-ups are the most popular exercise when it comes to toning tums but it's important to make sure you are doing them correctly in order to avoid injuring yourself. Make sure you pull your self up by using your core and stomach muscles, not by straining your neck. Lift slowly and feel the crunch in your stomach muscles then slowly lower back to the floor.
Leg lifts
Leg lifts are brilliant for toning the muscles in your stomach – but they're not as easy as they may look. Lie flat on the floor and, with your feet together, slowly raise both legs together. Keep your legs straight and lift around eight inches off the floor, hold for around five seconds and slowly lower your legs back to the floor. Repeat this until you have done a set of ten and do three full sets. Do this three times a week.
Tense and hold
Tensing your stomach muscles is very easy but also very effective. What's more you can do them absolutely anywhere, whether you're at your desk or just watching tv. Simply tense your stomach muscles and hold for ten seconds. Release and repeat until you have done ten repetitions. Do three sets and repeat four or five times a week.
Forearm lifts
This exercise might appear to be working your upper arms at first but it's actually a great exercise for toning tummies. Simply lie flat on your stomach with your legs straight, taking your weight on your forearms and lift yourself with your stomach and bottom muscles.
Side-twists
If you've got a problem with love handles like many of us do then this exercise is fantastic. Simply raise your arms to shoulder height with your elbows pointing outwards and twist your upper body to the right and back to centre ten times. Repeat the movement, twisting to the left for ten. Then do the whole thing for three sets.
