Although crunches are often the most popular exercise used to achieve a toned belly, they aren’t the best option if you’re looking to sculpt a bulging waistline.
“Crunches target the rectus abdominus or ‘six pack’-not the waistline,” fitness instructor and AthleKinetix creator Christina Leon explains. “To work out the waist, you need to target the obliques which requires rotational exercises.”
Leon suggests yoga, as well as cardiovascular exercises like running or cycling, since they increase the heart rate, improve muscle strength and rev up your metabolism, in turn reducing body fat.
“If you are a die-hard, must-do-ab-exercises type, then the best exercise for you is the ‘bicycle,’ which focuses on both the abdominals and the obliques,” Leon says. Start by lying face up on a mat, lace your fingers behind your head, and draw your knees in toward your chest. Then, straighten the left leg while simultaneously turning the upper body to the right, bringing the left elbow toward the right knee. Repeat on the other side and continue for as many reps as you can.
What’s your favorite tummy-tightening exercise? Share it by leaving a comment below.
