With a busy work schedule, three small children, and a house to keep clean, the gym isn’t always as high on my priority list as it should be. Can I maintain a toned tummy without spending hours at the gym every week? These stomach-firming exercises can be done while you’re sitting at your desk, in the office, and hard at work. When combined with an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits, these stomach-firming exercises can have visible results!
Squats
Squats can easily be done while sitting at your desk or in your cubicle…just make sure you don’t actually sit down. Begin with your feet firmly planted on the floor (or if you’re adventurous, one foot lifted slightly off the floor) at hips-width apart. Squat and then stand back up, never allowing yourself to fully sit on your desk chair. Do this 10-12 times, several times a day.
Seated Leg Pull-In
The seated leg-pull in can be done with a flat bench, or if you’re at the office, try using your desk chair instead. Stretch your legs out in front of you, straight and slightly slanted downwards. Lean your body back 45 degrees. Bring your knees towards your chest while bringing your body towards your knees. Repeat the pull-in 10-12 times, 2-3 times a day.
Seated Crunches
Seated crunches might not sound like the most effective means to achieve rock-hard abs, but they do allow you to get a quick work-out in when you’d otherwise just be sitting at your desk. Sit up straight in your chair and hold on to the sides with your arms. Engage your abdominal muscles and then crunch your body forward. The recommendation is to repeat this activity 100 times during the day to help maintain your abdominal muscles.
Recline Curl
Sit forward on the edge of your seat in order to do this desk exercise. When doing the recline curl, keep your feet flat on the floor and bend your back towards the back of the chair, while keeping your back straight and your stomach muscles flexed. Repeat this motion 10-12 times. Do 2-3 sets in a row, or repeat throughout the day as you can.
When you combine these four simple desk exercises with an overall healthy lifestyle and diet, you can work to maintain your toned abs all year long. If a firm stomach is your goal, give it a go!