Cardio workouts can be amazing for your abs. They are also a great way to work your whole body.
Cardiovascular exercise commonly referred to as cardio workout is any physical activity which will raise your heart rate. Let’s face it, our bodies aren’t formed to rest rather are created for constant movement, and that’s the main reason our body remains in shape. Such movement keeps our muscles strong thus guaranteeing a healthy, active and athletic body. What cardio workout does is the fact that during activity the blood in our capillaries deliver more oxygen towards the cells of our muscles, which in turn enables these cells to burn fat rapidly.
It isn’t just about cardio; it’s what you do with that cardio in order to get the abs of your dreams. It may seem crunches could be your answer, but crunches stretch the muscles and may create a larger bulge for some people. Whole body interval training workouts can get your core in shape.
Squat Thrusts or Burpees
This can be a combination exercise and should be done in the pace you can handle. Stand tall and lift your arms above your head, then place both hands on the ground in a push-up position. Kick your feet back and do a push-up, then bring feet back in and stand with hands overhead. This workout is really a full-body workout and focuses on your abs while working out other body parts.
The Squat
This one works your legs and your abs. Squat as low as possible go; the lower the better. Put your hands behind your neck, and lace your fingers together. Lean your body left, and touch your left elbow to your left knee. Lift your body back towards the center. Then, lean your body to the right, and touch your right elbow to your right knee.
Mountain Climbers
Come from the push-up position with both hands on floor and legs extended to a plank position. Bring your right or left front knee in and use your core, then switch legs. Continue alternating legs and bringing knees in. You will need do this at a continual pace and use your core. Mountain climbers really are a core-engaged workout that also offers a full-body workout.
Burpees or Squat Thrusts
It’s one of those killer moves that reminds you of old days and it is the most popular full body exercises that form an important part of weight training. Not only does it work on your entire body it accelerates your heart rate. Basically, it is a fusion of numerous exercises that must definitely be a part of your regular cardio workouts.
High Knees
This exercise brings your heart rate up and burns body fat. Stand tall and produce one knee to waist height. Begin running in position and alternate knees raised to your waist. Stay around the balls of your feet. Engage your core and use your arms just like you are running.
Cardio Workouts for Abs
The Leg Lift
This one is indeed a workout. Stand up tall. Lift your left leg upright while you reach towards your toe with your right arm. Then, perform the same with your right leg, and reach your toe with your left arm. If you cannot reach your toes with your arms, then at least try to touch your knees. Do a 15-round repetition.
Jumping Rope
Jumping rope engages your core and it is a full-body workout. Place the jumping rope handles within each hand, stand tall and swing the rope overhead. Repeat and then jump. You may also do variations with the addition of high knees or jumping jacks.
