Between errands, family, work and some quality time alone, life gets exhausting. When can you find time to work out? Some friends might tell you—annoyingly—to just get up earlier. While that may be great for the Energizer Bunnies of the world, for others the idea of grunting through sit-ups at 5:45am, half asleep, is pure torture. Fortunately, there’s an easier way. Here are five time-saving ways to tone your tummy.
TV-watching crunches
We watch TV anyway, so we might as well make it count. Lie on your back with your legs straight together. Tighten your abs and lift your legs upward and downward very slowly without letting your heels touch the couch. Keep your feet suspended so your abs hold the weight as your legs come down and push them back toward the ceiling. Start with 10 repetitions and three sets while calmly focusing on your show—and breathing.
Repeat while lying on your side with one hip facing the ceiling. Contract your waist to slowly push up your legs each time. This motion helps tighten your sides.
Bring back the ab roller
An invention from the ’90s, the ab roller was a popular and easy way to tone your tummy. While pushing and pulling the wheel, your core strength prevents your back from arching and contracts your abs through a full range of motion. It’s faster and more comfortable than many basic ab workouts because it puts less tension on your neck and keeps you from grinding your back bones against the floor. It targets your lower abs, six-pack and sides.
Sitting knee-ups
Stuck at an office job? Activate your lazy life with an ab workout you can do at your desk. Sit up straight and pull one bent knee toward your chest while lowering your upper body toward your knee. Lift the opposite leg and repeat for 10 repetitions and three sets. This tones your core and abs while you work—a definite time-saver.
Sitting ab holds
If knee-ups are too hard, start with sitting ab holds. Sit up straight and tighten your abdominal muscles for eight seconds, rest for eight seconds, and repeat for five minutes. Be careful not to hold your breath. Eventually, when you’re strong enough, advance to knee-ups.
Watch your posture
You can tighten your core throughout the day with perfect posture. When you walk, stand or sit, use your stomach muscles to straighten your back and relax your shoulders. Although posture won’t give you a six-pack, it can improve ab tone and strengthen your core. As you naturally tighten these muscles daily, you’ll improve balance, stability and strength. Bonus: great posture makes you look more confident.