Beginners ab workouts without the sit ups and crunches

I have received a lot of questions on my facebook page about how to get rid of the ever stubborn pot belly. I am not a guru, I refer to my own experiences and the experiences of others I interact with on this journey.

The advanced exerciser may ignore this post. But if you're floundering around looking for something new to add to your push ups and sit ups at home, please read on.

Introducing the basic plank:

This is a great exercise because it works both the back and abdominal muscles.
How to do it? Start on elbows and knees, locking hands together. Straighten legs and raise your body so that you're supported by the balls of your feet with feet hip distance apart. Face the floor, being careful not to arch your back or stick your bottom in the air. Hold this position for 45 seconds to begin with, extending the time as you get stronger.

The Push Up Plank:

This time, hold plank in push up position. This plank position also works the chest and arms and is suitable to end your workout with. Since this is a beginners post, hold for 45 seconds rest, and hold again. Planks get more creative and challenging the stronger you get.

The Side Plank:

I had actually forgotten to start with the easier version of the Side plank which is propped on your elbows instead of hands. If you are on your elbows, be careful your shoulder does not roll forwards or backwards. Hold the position as long as you can then repeat on the other side. shoulder should be above elbow. Your body should be in a perfect triangle to the floor. In this photo, I am on my hands prepped for a T-Stand. This exercise works the obliques...translation, love handles :-)

Side Plank on Elbows: