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Home Ab Workouts in Dubai: 10 Exercises to Tone Your Core

Thanks to online and mobile fitness apps such as MYFITAPE, it’s now easier than ever to get in shape and build strong, healthy abs from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re new to exercise, or an experienced athlete, a solid ab workout is something you can achieve without the need of a personal trainer or a gym.

Our new selection of ab exercises is designed to work your core muscles, and can be tweaked to suit any fitness level. From sit ups and planks to crunches and more, here’s a list of 10 effective ab workouts to get you started.

1. Basic Sit-Ups

Sit-ups are simple to do, but they’re surprisingly effective at working your abdominals. All you need is a yoga mat or a flat surface. Position yourself on your back with your knees slightly bent and your feet flat on the floor. Keep your back pressed firmly against the floor, and careful not to press your neck into your chest. To perform the exercise, lift your shoulder blades off the floor and try to touch your toes with your hands — it’s the same form as a regular sit-up, but keeping your back supported. Make sure you take your time with these!

2. Side Planks

Mimicking a side crunch is a great way to target your obliques and build stronger abs. Side planks also help to improve your balance and stability, so they’re great for athletes, and are a good alternative to sit-ups if you’re doing ab exercises with a sore neck or an injury. Lie on your side on the floor, then prop yourself up on your elbow, making sure you keep your torso in line and hold it there for a few seconds. Gently raise your hip and then bring it back down in one steady motion — repeat this exercise on the other side too.

3. Planks

While various planks target different muscle groups, they’re all surprisingly effective ab workouts. Planks also help to increase overall body strength, improve balance and build endurance. To perform a plank, simply set up in a push-up position, with weight evenly distributed between your arms and legs, then hold your body still for a few seconds — the longer you can sustain your plank, the better!

4. Crunches

Crunches are an invaluable ab Workout—they help to tone and strengthen your core muscles and may even help to reduce back pain. To do yourself, start lying flat on your back and curl your head up towards your knees–try to contract your abs as you raise your torso, making sure that your feet stay firmly on the floor. Make sure your shoulders and neck don’t round, too.

5. Bicycle Kicks

Bicycle kicks are another great ab workout, and a fun one, too! Lie flat on your back, flexing your knees and keeping your feet flat on the floor. To perform the exercise, raise one knee in towards your chest–keeping your other foot grounded–then lift the other knee and turn your shoulders to the opposite side. If the exercise proves too much, start by simply alternating between straight legs and bent knees–this way, it should be easier to keep in time.

6. Toe Touches

Toe touches are an oldie but a goodie! Start by lying flat on your back; this time, reach up above your head and extend your arms above your torso. Now, slowly raise your leg until your toes touch your hands–make sure you keep your shoulder blades firmly against the floor. You can use a step bench, or a stability ball, to help you reach further.

7. Jackknife Sit-Ups

The jackknife sit up is a difficult but effective ab exercise! Start by lying flat on your back and put your hands flat on the floor behind your head. Now, roll up your body and keep going until you can touch your toes with your hands, then drop back down and repeat. Make sure to keep your back straight during the exercise–if you find it hurts your lower back, try lifting your feet off the floor while you’re doing it.

8. Leg Lifts

The ideal ab workout for anyone wanting to target their lower abs, leg lifts involve raising your legs off the ground in a slow, controlled motion. Start by lying down, with your hands angled next to your body and your heals slightly raised off the floor. To perform the exercise, keep your legs straight and gently raise them together while keeping your lower back flat. Make sure not to arch your back!

9. T-Planks

T-Planks are one of the most versatile ab workouts around. Start by lying flat on your back, then lift your legs and arms off the ground in a slow and controlled way. To perform the exercise, roll your elbows and knees from side to side, trying your best to keep them in line. Make sure you keep your back pressed firmly against the floor — you should feel it working!

10. Russian Twists

If you’re looking for an ab workout to help you improve core stability, the Russian twist is ideal. To start the exercise, sit on the floor with your feet together and your knees bent. Now, lean back until your torso is at a 45-degree angle and twist your torso from side to side. Keep your core tight and make sure you keep your arms extended in front of you — twisting too quickly could easily strain your back.

Ab workouts are a great way to build your core strength and maintain a healthy, toned physique. Thanks to online and mobile fitness apps such as MYFITAPE, it’s now easier than ever to get in shape and build strong, healthy abs from your own home. Of course, those looking for one-on-one personal training services from a qualified trainer can reach out to MYFITAPE for online and in-person services.