5 Abs Exercises That Are Better Than Crunches

insider yoga staff | February 27, 2016 | Strength, Toning | No Comments

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See You Later Situps! These Killer Moves will Tone Your Tummy

Are you tired of doing situps and crunches? Many workouts incorporate some form of situp or crunch to work our abs. The problem is that to really work the abs, you need to target all regions of your core (upper and lower abs, lower back, transverse abs, and obliques.

The following exercise target multiple muscle groups in the core areas mentioned above. These exercises will melt away the fat and help you get a sleek,sexy stomach.

See the exercises below and kick the crunch to the curb!

BY KENNY THAPOUNG

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PHOTOGRAPH BY BETH BISCHOFF

DUMBBELL PUSHUP ROW

Place a pair of dumbbells about shoulder-width apart on the floor. (A) Grab the handles and position yourself in a pushup position. (B) Lower your body to the floor and then press back up . (C) Once you’re back in the starting position, pull the dumbbell in your right hand up toward the side of your chest. Pause, then return the starting position and repeat with your left hand. That’s 1 rep. Try to prevent your torso from rotating each time you row with weight.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY BETH BISCHOFF

CROSS-BEHIND LUNGES

(A) Grab a pair of dumbbells and hold them at arm’s length at your sides, your palms facing each other. (B) Step forward and to the side so that your lead foot ends up in the front of your back (like a curtsy). Lower your body until your front knee is bent at least 90 degrees. (C) Pause, then return to the starting position and repeat with your other leg.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY BETH BISCHOFF

DUMBBELL SQUAT THRUST

(A) Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides holding a pair of dumbbells. (B) Push your hips back, bend your knees, and lower your body as deep as you can into a squat. (C) Place the dumbbells on the floor, then kick your legs backward into a pushup position. (D) Kick your legs back to the squat position. Stand up and jump. That’s 1 rep.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY BETH BISCHOFF

PLANKING FROG TUCKS

(A) Start in a pushup position with your body straight from your shoulders to you ankles. (B) Bring your right foot forward and place it next to your right hand (or as close as you can). Try to prevent your hips from sagging or rising. Return your leg to starting position and repeat with your left leg. That’s 1 rep.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY BETH BISCHOFF

WALL SLIDE

Lean your head, upper back, and butt against the wall. (A) Place your hands and arms against the wall in the “high-five” position, your elbows bent 90 degrees and your upper arms at shoulder height. Hold for 1 second. Don’t allow your head, upper back, or butt lose contact with the wall. Keeping your elbows, wrists, and hands pressed into the wall, slide your elbows down toward your sides as far as you can. Squeeze your shoulder blades together. (B) Slide your arms back up the wall as high as you can while keeping your hands in contact with the wall. Lower and repeat.