5 Highly Effective Ab Exercises You Can Do At Home

Slipping out of your comfy loungewear into activewear is a struggle we face day-in-day-out. However, sitting around and wishing upon a star for a ripped midriff ain't going to make it happen either. The fact of life is that it ain't easy—you gotta hustle for that muscle!

And if you're still hesitant to walk back into a gym—but desire a strenuous, fat-burning workout—you've come to the right place. We have curated the perfect at-home exercise routine for you, particularly to help you sculpt your core and strengthen your abdominal muscles. 

Karan Sawhney, Co-founder of The Tribe, shares five ab-focused exercises that are perfect for the non-gym goer and can be performed from the comfort of your home. Get, set, go! 

Russian Twists

Russian twists help strengthen the core, spine, obliques and also improve your overall balance. These twists help build stability in your spine and trim your midsection as well.

Directions: Sit on the floor and extend your legs. Lean back slightly so that your torso and legs form a V-like shape, bracing your abdominal wall to engage your core. Focus on your obliques and breath easy. Exhale with each twist and inhale to return to the centre. As you twist, keep your arms parallel to the floor, or reach down to tap on each side.

Side Plank 

The side plank exercise targets your arms, back and core. It works to strengthen your core without stressing on your back, and also protects your spine and eases movement by building better balance.

Directions: Lie on your right side, with your legs extended and stacked from hip to feet. Make sure that your neck is in line with your spine and your elbows are placed right under your shoulders. Hold this position for 60 seconds. After several breaths, change sides and repeat the exercise.

Leg Raises

Leg raises tones and strengthens your legs as well as your abdominal muscles. It also improves the strength and flexibility of your hips and lower back, which is especially beneficial for those who spend prolonged periods of time sitting at a desk. 

Directions: Begin by lying down flat on a mat, with your arms at your sides and legs stretched out next to each other. Exhale as you raise your legs and squeeze your abdomen with every rep. Once your thighs are perpendicular to your body, try and straighten your legs to point them towards the ceiling.

Mountain Climbers

A great exercise to burn your entire core and get your spine in alignment, mountain climbers put several muscle groups to work, all at once. 

Directions: Before beginning the exercise, ensure that your neck is in line with your spine and your palms are right under your shoulders to stabilise your upper body. As your core and glutes are squeezed in, place your right foot near your right hand and extend your left leg behind you. In one smooth motion, switch your legs back and forth, keeping your arms in the same position (such that your right leg is again close to your right hand). 

Bicycle Crunches

Bicycle crunches target the abdominal muscles and improve body coordination for core and deep-ab strengthening. A strong core helps maintain proper posture and aids in a variety of physical activities. 

Directions: Lie flat on the floor with your knees bent and lower back pressed to the ground. Touch your right elbow to your left knee (and vice versa) while keeping your neck off your chin. Inhale and exhale while going through a bicycle pedal motion, bringing one knee up towards your armpit while straightening the other leg. Ensure that you keep both your legs elevated higher than your hips.