If people are asked what they want their ideal body to have, a toned midriff and a set of solid six-pack abs would be a popular answer. Partly fueled by the media’s influence, it is human nature to attribute slender abdomen and toned muscles to a person’s fitness and self-care level. However, this is not an easy feat and requires a person to commit to healthy eating habits and a good fitness regimen. With personal trainers’ help and the following exercises listed in this blog, an individual can achieve the perfect midsection.

However, before we list the exercises, it is necessary to understand what muscles need to be worked on. Four major muscle groups comprise the abs: internal obliques, external obliques, transverse abdominis, and rectus abdominis. For a workout to be effective, it needs to target all of them.

The internal obliques are the muscles on the outer, lower part of the stomach. The external obliques are the ones on the sides of the upper portion of the stomach. The transverse abdominis muscle is the one that connects each side, ensuring a person can balance themselves, and the rectus abdominis muscles begin at the sternum and go down vertically. The latter is the one that mostly gives the six-pack impression.

The six best exercises to tone the midsection are as follows:

Toe touch

To do the exercise, one needs to lie down and bring their legs up in a perpendicular position. Using a dumbbell (one can do it without it), they need to lift their shoulders and touch their feet. It is a relatively simple exercise and is highly beneficial for the upper abs and the rest of the midsection. It completely engages the abdominal wall, slims the waist, and strengthens the core.

Bicycle crunch

To do this, one needs to lie on their back, lift their shoulders, and raise both legs off the mat. Then they should bring one knee and the opposite elbow close to one another while the other leg is outstretched. Then they need to do this to the other side and keep repeating back and forth. This exercise is highly effective for both obliques. It increases the strength of one’s core, slims down their waist, and improves flexibility and stability. As the body moves constantly, a person’s heart rate is boosted, burning more calories.

Boat twist

A personal trainer in Alderley Edge would make sure a person is sitting on their mat with their knees bent to do this exercise. The person would then have to stretch their arms sideways and raise their feet off the ground. They then need to twist their torso to the right and then to the left and keep repeating this movement. The boat twist engages the core while strengthening the abs and the lower back. It slims the waist while improving one’s stability, balance and posture.

Dumbbell side bend

To do this exercise, one needs to stand with their feet apart. Holding a dumbbell in their right hand, with the other hand behind their head, they need to bend to the right side as far as it feels comfortable and then stop. Then stand straight and repeat the movement before switching to the other side. It targets the abs and also cinches the waist to create a curvy appearance.

Alternate heel touchers

One needs to lie down with their back on the mat, their knees bent, and arms on the side. They need to crunch forward, touching their left with the left hand, then they need to get back to the starting position and do the same to the right side. This exercise strengthens the oblique muscles.

Inchworm

To do this, a person needs to stand straight with their feet apart. Then they need to bend over and touch the floor with their palms. They need to walk ahead as far as possible with the legs straight and then return to the starting position. This exercise engages the core and other parts of the body.

The above exercises can be highly beneficial and can be done at home or in a private gym in Wilmslow. With a personal trainer’s help to correct their posture and ensure they are doing the exercise correctly, they can achieve the midriff of their dreams.