Bikini season is upon us and we’re whipping out our ab workouts. Is your core a trouble area for you? If it is, you’re not alone! My midsection is always fluctuating; some days I feel like I could take on the beach in a bikini and others, I want to hide in a mumu. But, why? Shouldn’t my toning routine be enough? The answer to that is, no. But, don’t worry girlfriend, I’m going to tell you, three things I do for a toned tummy!
1. Toning Routine
Of course, you’re going to want to tone your core. The workout below is great for tightening your abdominal muscles and should only take you about 15 minutes to complete. Keep in mind, you don’t want to work the same muscle group every day. A common misconception is that if you want a toned tummy, you should do a few sit-ups every day. In order for your muscles to grow and for you to see results, you have to rest the muscles a full 48 hours. So work your core one day, then your upper body or lower body the next, to give your core muscles a rest.
Stability Ball Crunches x 15
Stability Ball Pikes x 15
Stability Ball Passes x 15
Kettlebell Core Circles
2. Eat Well
If you’re not eating well, your tummy will show it. You can do a million crunches a week, but if you’re eating a lot of sugar, carbonated beverages or refined carbohydrates; you’re likely to see a little bloat in your belly. I am totally guilty of not always staying on point with what I’m eating and for that reason, sometimes my tummy is bloated and leads to the hiding in a mumu. When I stick to eating lots of fresh fruits, veggies and lean meats, I look my best! (I also feel my best!)
3. Drink Up
If you want a tighter tummy, stay hydrated! This comes from personal experience. If I stay fully hydrated, I definitely feel better, but I’m also less bloated, which means a tinnier waist! Then comes the next question, well how much should I drink? First, I personally only drink water (with one cup of coffee a day). Sure, I treat myself from time to time with pink drinks and maybe a second cup of coffee, but if I’m on a toned tummy mission, I’m picking water first. Next, Erica always says you can judge your hydration by the color of your urine, if it’s clear, you’re good to go. Gross I know, but a good way to gauge your own hydration level! Personally, I drink 2-3 liters of water every day.
So, work it out, eat well and drink up girlfriend; your tummy will be bikini ready before you know it!
– Brooke
The ‘ball passes’ is one of my favourite tummy exercises to do. But yeah I feel and agree with you on the eating well. That is definitely my struggle. I’m a carbs a bit. Smh!!
Thanks for the tips beautiful. Happy Friday 🙂
http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk
You had me at quick girl! I love something that get’s it done well and quick! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
You are my hero, Ha! I eat really clean, but I do not remember the last time I worked out, unless you consider running after kids! Bikini season should be interesting 😉
Great post!Thanks for sharing:-)
http://www.lostindaydreams.com/
Ugh – I definitely need to get in the habit of drinking more water! Any tips on how do that ? LOL
http://www.michellespaige.com
These exercises are so easy to do! It would be easy to do at home, which I really like too!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Yeah!! Thanks Jessica!
It may seem silly, but I love to carry big water bottles in my purse. I like the liter bottles that are skinny, like Smartwater or Life Wtr. Since they have a good top, they don’t leak, but also, something about the bigger bottle makes me drink more!
Thanks for Reading Olga!
That is a workout!! Good for you eating clean! I totally try, but man oh man do I struggle!
That’s the only way I’ll do it, haha!
I looooovee my carbs!! Such a struggle! Thanks Missy!
Thanks for the instructions! I might invest in a stability ball sometime soon. Especially now that I realize they can come in cute colors like your mint green one!
Kim | Simply Lovebirds