The Best Alternatives To Classic Abs

If you want a flat stomach, you don’t have to do the same boring abs we all know. There are some equally effective exercises that you can easily include in your daily workout.

Many people want a flat, toned abdomen like the models we see on TV. But very few are willing to work to achieve this goal by performing the most tedious but necessary exercise: the abdomen! Why are they so hated? Is there a way to avoid them or certain alternatives to the classic abs that will provoke us more enthusiasm?

In this article, we present some wonderful exercises for toning the abdomen that save you the hassle of practicing the same monotonous movements you were used to.

Alternatives to the classic abs you can practice at home

If you don’t like going to the gym or you don’t have much time, we recommend you to opt for a workout that you can do at home. Don’t be afraid – it doesn’t include abs! With just a few simple exercises, you get your body moving, you lose weight and you get the desired figure. The only conditions for optimal results are consistency and the adoption of a balanced diet.

You have no excuse to avoid physical activity, especially when it is so simple. A group of teachers and sports coaches created a 40-minute workout that includes 6 abdominal exercises that must be practiced three times a week. If fully respected, it can replace workouts in the gym.

For starters, you will need to make sure that you meet certain basic conditions to practice these wonderful exercises and take full advantage of them:

You need a spacious and well-ventilated place (the living room can be a great option, although you will probably have to move the sofa).
Training should be practiced in the morning (you should finish at 9:00 at the latest).
Stretch your wrists 5 minutes before you start.
Stretch your muscles at the end for another 5 minutes.

Let’s see now which are the exercises that the specialists have categorized as alternatives to the classic abs and which help you to shape your figure:

Going up and down the stairs

If you don’t have stairs at home, you can use a bench or, even better, a stepper. The most important thing is to maintain an energetic rhythm and not to take breaks.

Practice this exercise for 15 to 20 minutes to burn about 200 calories. Climb fast and descend slowly to avoid injuries and don’t forget to always keep your back straight.

squats

Knee bends are an alternative to classic abs

Even if you don’t like them either, knee bends are among the best alternatives to classic abs. Abdominal muscle contractions while performing this exercise help to tone and flatten the abdomen.

With every 100 knee bends, you burn around 300 calories. To get the same result by practicing your abs, you should do 1000!

To perform this simple exercise, keep your back straight. Take the tail of a broom or a mop and hold it on your back. Spread your legs at shoulder level and bend your knees as hard as you can. It is important to hold the position for a few seconds and then stand up slowly.

Start with a series of 10 exercises and do not perform less than 50 each day of training. After you have a better control of the movement, you can do sets of 15 repetitions. You can also add weights, using water bottles filled with sand, for example.

Alternatives to classic abdominals to practice in the gym

Do you prefer to lift weights and exercise in a social context, with other people? Do you like going to the gym to make friends or to follow the instructions of a professional coach? If so, the exercises below would suit you better, but be sure to talk to your coach first.

Spins on the fitness ball

This fitness ball exercise helps you tense and stretch your muscles without bending or twisting your spine too much, which can be quite dangerous.

Floats on a Bosu ball for balance

Flotations can be an alternative to classic abs

Specialist studies have shown that this exercise is 30% more effective than regular floor floats. To achieve this, you need a balance ball, which contains a plate on which to support your hands when doing push-ups.

Stepper

This exercise helps to train the oblique abdominal muscles without practicing normal abs. In addition, stepping on the stepper provides strength and stability in the abdominal area and keeps the lumbar region healthy. Remember to always keep your back straight when performing these movements.

Fitness ball floats

This exercise trains the lower abdomen as well as the oblique muscles. Sit face down on the ball, stretch your arms and put your hands on the floor. Then do push-ups with outstretched legs.

Fitness ball floats protect your back and improve your balance and endurance.

Knee lift

Also known as “knees to the chest,” this exercise is one of the best alternatives to classic abs, as it helps to completely contract the abdominal muscles. At first it may seem a little difficult, but little by little, you will be able to raise your knees more and more. The most important thing is to never lift your torso.

The icing on the cake – the exercise that replaces 100 abs!

The board is one of the best alternatives to classic abs

Of course, we would all like to have an abdomen that looks like we do thousands of abs every week. But the idea of performing these exercises does not delight us as much. Fortunately, fitness experts have solutions to any problem related to physical training and know various ways to make the most of each exercise, depending on the goal of each of us.

In this case, the proposed solution is a static exercise, which involves supporting the whole body on the toes, elbows and forearms. But you will feel that the most requested area while holding your torso straight is the abdomen!

If you perform 3 repetitions of 60 seconds each, 3 days a week, it will be like doing 1000 abs. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Here are the steps you need to follow:

Adopt the specific position of the floats: face down, feet and toes supported by the floor.
Bend your elbows and place your forearms in front of you. Sit on the mattress, with your hands or fists in a straight line.
Keep your head down at a distance of 30 cm from the ground.

If you are in the correct position, you will notice that the only parts that touch the floor are the tips of your toes, elbows, forearms and hands or fists. Hold the position for 1 minute. Get some rest, then repeat twice more.