How often do you workout?

If you’re like most Americans, you only spend about 2 hours a week exercising. While 2 hours is great for maintaining your health, it’s not enough time if you’re going after bigger fitness goals, like building your abs.

Thankfully, you don’t have to squeeze in more gym time to get the abs you want. Instead, you can use simple core building exercises in the comfort of your bedroom.

For those who want to get 6 pack abs at home, we can help! We’ve created a shortlist of the best exercises you can do before and after bedtime. Before you know it, you’ll start to notice lean, trim, toned abs, you never knew were there before.

So take a look! You’re body’s sure to thank you.

6 Pack Abs at Home: 5 Awesome Exercises

Why do you want to have a six-pack? Chances are, it’s because you love the way a well-trimmed set of abs looks. However, to maintain motivation throughout your workout routine, it helps to know the other benefits a six-pack can bring.

Here are a few great reasons to work on 6 pack abs at home:

• Your abs support the trunk of your body
• Your abs help keep your body balanced and stable
• Your abs are part of the core muscle group that protects your spine

Ab building exercises, like the Zottman curl, strengthen your core muscles. As you strengthen your core, you create a foundation that supports your entire body. The stronger your body’s foundation is, the easier it’ll be to prevent injuries.

To start building your own 6-pack, check out these five exercises.

1. Side Jack Knife

If you’re just starting on a new workout routine, the side jackknife is a simple, but powerful way to build your abdominal muscles. However, if you want this exercise to work for you, you have to execute it with perfect form.

First, you’ll need to lie on your side and place your right leg on top of your left. Next, put your right hand firmly behind your head, allowing your elbow to bow out. Your left hand, and arm, should be on the floor in front of you for balance.

Once you’re in the proper position, you can bring your right leg and elbow together. When the right leg and elbow are together, you can slowly lower them back into place. You’ll want to perform all of your reps on one side before switching to the other.

2. Perfect Planks

Planks are one of the most versatile and powerful exercise tools you can use. Instead of just working out your abs, planks will work to increase the strength of your entire core.

To start, you’ll need to get on the ground with your body facing towards the floor. Curl your toes under, and place your elbows directly underneath your shoulders. With your palms face down, and your fingertips facing forward, you can begin to lift yourself.

plank

As you press your elbows and toes down, your hips and legs should come off of the ground. Now you are in the plank position.

Once you’re in position, you’ll need to hold the plank to activate your muscles. Make sure that you continue to breathe, and don’t let your shoulders sink.

3. X-Mountain Climber

The x-mountain climber is also called running planks. This exercise can be challenging for beginners, but with practice, it’ll get easier.

First, you’ll want to get yourself into a plank position. make sure that you’re evenly distributing your weight between your toes and your hands. Next, make sure that your hands are about shoulder-width apart.

Once you’re in the proper form, you can begin to bring your right knee into your chest. Bring your right knee as close to your chest as you comfortably can. Then, slowly lower your right knee back into it it’s starting position.

When you’re finished with the right knee, you’ll do the same thing for the left knee. Once you’re comfortable bringing your knees to your chest, you’re ready to speed things up. Begin running your knees in and out as far and as fast as you can, without straining your body.

4. Bent Leg V-Up

The bent leg v-up is a more advanced exercise technique. The main focus here will be on improving the strength of your abdominal muscles.

First, you’ll need to lay flat on your back, with your legs straight. Placing your hands at your side, bend your knees and lift your feet into the air. Hold your legs still, while your feet are off the ground.

Next, lift your torso as you begin to pull your chest to your knees. During the entire exercise, your arms should remain parallel to the floor. You should also make sure that your spine is always in a neutral position when it comes to your lower back. Don’t let your spine round or twist.

5. Dead Bug

The dead bug exercise is a great tool if you want to make sure you’re not putting too much stress on your lower back. First, lie on your back with your arms extended towards the sky.

Bend your knees so they’re at a 90-degree angle. As you exhale, tighten up your abs and press your lower back into the floor. Take a deep breath, and slowly begin to exhale again.

As you exhale, extend your left leg until it is straight out in front of you. Tap your left foot on the floor, without letting your lower back lifts off of the mat. Finally, return your left leg to the starting position and repeat with the right leg.

Have the Abs You Want

Now you know some of the most powerful exercises to get 6 pack abs at home. What exercise are you going to add to your workout routine?

Will you be practicing your perfect planks? Or do you envision yourself tackling the x-mountain climber? Whatever exercises you choose to use, you’re sure to love the results.

Are you ready to find more ways to get the results you want out of life? Go ahead and read another one of our articles, today!