Abs and Back Toning Exercises

Stomach crunches – great for strong abs

• 2 sets of 15 to 24 reps

Lie down on your back, knees bent and hands behind your ears. Keeping your lower back pressed into the floor, raise your shoulder blades no more than 3 inches off the floor and slowly lower down. Don’t tuck your neck into your chest as you rise and don’t use your hands to pull your neck up.

Obliques – great for toning love handles

• 1 set of 12 to 24 reps on each side

Lie down on your back, with your knees bent and together, and feet off the floor. Place your right hand behind your right ear and extend the left arm out. Keeping your lower back pressed into the floor, lift your shoulder blades off the floor and curl your upper body diagonally across your chest towards your left knee and lower down.

Back raises – great for good posture

• 2 sets of 15 to 24 reps

Lie down on your chest and place your hands by your temples or extended out in front for more of a challenge. Keeping your legs together and feet on the ground, raise your shoulders off the floor no more than 3 inches and slowly lower down. Keep a long neck and look down as you perform the exercise.

Source:nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/legs-bums-and-tums-home-workout.aspx