Now we are into Spring, and the new years resolutions we made to go to the gym everyday and eat only organically sourced food are distant memories. So instead of accepting defeat, or worse still making the trek to the gym – here are some of the best ways to get a washboard core, without even leaving your room! By setting aside 10 minutes a day, everyday, you can be sure that your summer body will turn heads:
- Mountain (Egham Hill) Climbers
Start by placing yourself in a plank position, with your hands shoulder width apart and underneath your chest (make sure that your arms are straight too). You should feel like your body is a straight line between your ankles and your shoulders. Then bring your right knee to your chest so that it reaches the left elbow. Repeat this step with the left knee and so bringing it as close to your right elbow. Do this for 15 reps.
- Leg Raises
These will definitely leave you feeling like you can’t sit up in the morning (probably worse than a Monday 9am). Start by lying flat on your back, feet together, and arms placed either side of you with both palms facing downwards. Now, raise your hips, lifting both legs so that they are going as far back as you can manage. Don’t worry if you aren’t lifting them very high, the most important thing is that your knees aren’t bending and that you keep your core tight each time. Repeat each lift for 15.
- The Plank…
Everyone hates this one, but in actual fact, if done right it can be the most rewarding, as it engages both the lower and upper body. Start by facing towards the floor on elbows and knees and locking hands together directly in front of you. Then straighten out your legs and raise your body, so that you are not dipping downwards, and your back isn’t arched. You should be able to support yourself on the balls of your feet. Time yourself for 30 seconds, then break for 15 seconds, and then repeat again. Repeat this for 4 reps.
- Sit up and Tap:
This is a variation of a sit up, so probably a little different to what you done in P.E but nonetheless just as good! Start by lying down on the floor, with your feet stretched out and your hands placed behind your head. Now sit up, without lifting your feet off the floor. When sitting up, reach with your right hand, over to the left side of your body and tap the floor. Lower yourself back down, and repeat again with the opposite hand and side for 15 reps.
- The Boris bikes:
Most likely to have never been completed by Boris Johnson himself, but nonetheless we can take inspiration from his famous London transport style. Lie flat on the floor with your back pressed against the ground. Lift your knees to a 45-degree angle. Now go through a bicycle pedal action with your legs.Now begin to touch your elbow with the opposite knee. After you have met your right knee with your left elbow and your left knee with your right elbow, you have completed one rep. Now repeat for 15!
