8 Exercises to Activate the Lower Abs
Traditional core exercises like sit-ups or cycling are great for sculpting the upper abdomen, but they barely touch the lower abdominal muscles, making toning this area a challenge for most of us.
If you really want to flatten your belly you need to make sure you’re pressing every last inch of those hidden muscles, which is why we asked fitness expert and certified personal trainer Kira Stokes to show us some of her favorite exercises to activate the lower abs..
According to her, the key to the success of the lower abdomen is the legs and the brain because whenever the legs move, the lower part of the stomach is used and they are associated with the hip flexors.
– Follow these exercises recommended by Kira Stokes:
1- Plank swing
You have to do between 10 and 15 forward and backward movements ( counting the forward and backward planks as one ) or for 30 seconds.
2- Jump Plank
You have to do it for 30 – 45 seconds or 10 – 15 repetitions.
3- Mountain climber
You have to do 10 – 15.
4- Army Drag
You have to do this 3-5 times, counting back and forth as one full rep.
5- Plank push-up
You need to do 10 – 15 reps.
6- Sit-ups with elevated legs
You need to do 15-20 reps.
7- X crunches
You have to do 24-30 repetitions, alternating each time ( 12-15 on each side ).
8- Scissor crunches
You need to do 12-15 per side, completing everything on one side before switching to the other.
