How to workout with an Ab Mat
Ab mats are a great way to get a workout in without having to go to the gym. They are also portable, so you can take them with you on vacation or to a friend’s house. Here are some exercises you can do with an ab mat:
1. Sit-ups:
The most basic exercise you can do with an ab mat is a sit-up. To do a sit-up, simply place the mat on the ground and lie down on your back with your knees bent. Place your hands behind your head and then lift your torso up off the ground until your elbows touch your knees. Slowly lower yourself back down and repeat.
2. Crunches:
Another popular exercise you can do with an ab mat is a crunch. To do a crunch, place the mat on the ground and lie down on your back with your knees bent. Place your hands behind your head and then lift your shoulders off the ground. While keeping your lower back pressed firmly against the mat, slowly exhale and curl your upper body up towards your knees. Inhale and return to the starting position.
3. Reverse crunches:
Reverse crunches are a great way to target your lower abs. To do a reverse crunch, place the mat on the ground and lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands behind your head and then lift your hips off the ground. While keeping your upper body stationary, slowly exhale and curl your knees in towards your chest. Inhale and return to the starting position.
4. Russian twists:
Russian twists are a great way to work your obliques (the muscles on the sides of your waist). To do a Russian twist, sit on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands behind your head and then lean back slightly so that your body forms a V shape. From here, twist your torso to the right and then to the left. Be sure to keep your abs engaged throughout the entire movement.
5. Pilates scissors:
Pilates scissors are a great way to work your lower abs. To do Pilates scissors, lie down on your back with your legs in the air and your head and shoulders off the ground. Hold onto your right ankle with your left hand and then slowly lower your right leg towards the ground. At the same time, raise your left leg up towards the sky. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg.
6. Leg lifts:
Leg lifts are a great way to work your lower abs. To do a leg lift, lie down on your back with your legs straight and your head and shoulders off the ground. Place your hands on the mat beside you for support. From here, slowly lift your right leg up towards the sky and then lower it back down to the starting position. Repeat with the other leg.
7. Flutter kicks:
Flutter kicks are a great way to work your lower abs. To do flutter kicks, lie down on your back with your legs in the air and your head and shoulders off the ground. Hold onto your right ankle with your left hand and then quickly alternate, kicking each leg up towards the sky.
8. Pilates leg circles:
Pilates leg circles are a great way to work your hips and thighs. To do Pilates leg circles, lie down on your back with your legs in the air and your head and shoulders off the ground. Place your right hand on your right ankle and then circle your leg out to the side. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg.
9. Bicycle crunches:
Bicycle crunches are a great way to work your abs and obliques. To do bicycle crunches, lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands behind your head and then lift your shoulders off the ground. From here, twist your torso to the right and then bring your left knee in towards your chest while extending your right leg out straight. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg.
10. Pilates V sit:
Pilates V sits are a great way to work your abs, obliques, and hips. To do a Pilates V sit, sit on the ground with your legs bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands behind your head and then lean back slightly so that your body forms a V shape. From here, twist your torso to the right and then to the left. Be sure to keep your abs engaged throughout the entire movement.
No matter what your fitness level is, Ab Mats are a great addition to any home gym.