Abs

Some quick and easy exercise routines….

A toned belly keeps the back healthy. Try pilates or yoga moves that work you ab and back muscles. Kickboxing, running or swimming are all great ab workouts. Always remember not to hold your breath while doing crunches as it can prove to be harmful and increase the blood pressure and heart rate especially during the moves that work on the side muscles.

To improve the coordination, balance and stability, do the following exercises without shoes:
- Spread toes apart like a fan.
- Flex your toes up towards you and then pointing them away.
- Move your foot in circles both clock-wise and anti clock-wise.
- Do toe curls as much as possible and then releasing them.
- With our foot flat on floor, lift the big toe without lifting the other toes and then try to lift little toes but not the big toe. Follow up by keeping your toes and heel on the floor and lifting up the arch of the foot.
- Use the toes on one foot to squeeze a towel on the floor.
- Keep heel in place and drag the towel from side to side.
- Use feet to pick up items and after having a grasp on the item, toss it away from you using your toes and leg.
- Stand with the outside edge of your foot against a wall and push your foot out into the wall. Switch the position so that the inside edge of the foot rests against the wall and push in against the wall.
- Roll a small rubber ball under the sole of your foot to massage it.

Staircases provide a good away to burn off calories in 15 minutes.
- For first 4 minutes, warm up by repeatedly walking up and down one flight of stairs maintaining a steady pace.
- For next two minutes, stand facing stairs. Step right foot to the right side of first stair. Do the same with left foot with left stair. Continue.
- For a minute, squat the jumps. Face the stairs, hop up with both feet and land in a squat. Hold for 2 counts and then jump up to next step.
- For next two minutes, stand with left side facing stairs, left foot on first step. Step right foot in front of left onto second step. Repeat. This is called left side cross steps.
- For next two minutes, stand with right side facing stairs, right foot on first step. Step left foot in front of right onto second step. Repeat. This is called right side cross steps.
- For next two minutes, do some step lunges. Step up two steps with right leg, bending knee 90 degrees into a lunge, bring hands down to touch step in front of you. Stand and repeat with left leg.
- For next two minutes, power walk up and down as fast as you can.

This is a 15 minute routine.

Some equipment to help you:

Quick Fix: Total Cardio Kick

The Best Pilates Core Workout Video

Pilates Workout Routine For Toning Butt ‘n Thighs

YOGA FOR WEIGHT LOSS

20 Minute Weight Loss & Fatburning Yoga Workout

10-Minute Cardio Kickboxing Workout

| More

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What are ten best foods for flat abs?

If you really want a sleek, sexy middle, you have got to tweak your diet. All of the best waist-whittling foods contain fiber to banish bloat, antioxidants to boost the abs routine effectiveness and protein to help maintain a healthy metabolism.
Almonds
- These delicious and versatile nuts contain protein and fiber and vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant.
- These also contain magnesium, a mineral your body must have in order to produce energy, build and maintain muscle tissue and regulate blood sugar.
- Almonds have an ability to block calories.
- One should have around 23 almonds in a day with approximately 160 calories.

Eggs
- Eggs have a balance of essential amino acids.
- The protein and fat in the egg may be contributing to the feeling of satiety.
- One should have one egg a day, unless you have high blood cholestrol.

Beans
- Beans are incredibly versatile.
- Beans are a great source of antioxidant, fiber and protein.
- Snack on dry roasted channa, drop a handful of steamed moong sprouts or cooked chowli into soups. A half cup cooked beans contains about 12-140 calories and 7-14 grams of protein.

Apples
- Apples contain quercetin, a compound shown to help fight certain cancers, reduce cholesterol damage and promote healthy lungs.
- Study have found that individuals who have consumed three apples or pears a day for three months lost more weight as compared to others.
- A large apple contains 5gms of fiber but it is also 85% water whch helps you feel full.
- One should have one or two apples a day.

Berries
- Berries are loaded with fiber.
- Berries are also high in antioxidants which not only protect your body from chronic diseases but may also help you to get more results from your workouts.
- One should have half a cup daily or about 30 calories. Do not limit yourself to amla, jamuns and strawberries, add tart star gooseberries, mulberries and black currants.

Leafy Greens
- They have cancer preventing carotenoids.
- They are low in calorie.
- Most leafy greens are also a good source of calcium, as essential ingredient for muscle contraction.
- One should eat three servings daily. Leafy greens include spinach, broccli,amaranth (lobia), drumstick, methi.

Yogurt
- The pro-biotic bacteria in most yogurts help keep your digestive system healthy which translates into a lower incidence of gas, bloating and constipation which can keep your tummy flat.
- One should have one to three cups of fat free or low fat yogurt. Choose unsweetened yogurt. Add a handful of fresh chopped fruit for flavor and extra fiber.

Veggie Soup
- Soups are an easy way to get your vegetables.
- One should have at least one cup of low calorie, low sodium vegetable soup every day.

Fish
- Sea food especially fatty fish like sardine, tuna and mackerel is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- These uber healthy fats may help promote fat burning by making your metabolism more efficient.
- Seafood is an excellent source of ab-friendly protein.
- One should have 100gm serving of fish per week.

Millet
- Millets can be used in many dishes in place of wheat or rice.
- They are rich in proteins, minerals and B vitamins.
- Millets make a tasty light breakfast cereal, work well in rotis, give extra body to soups or stews, and used raw, add delightful crunchy texture to breads and muffins.
- One should have at least one half cup serving per day.