Like Riding a Bike

Fit Day Friday

I love trying new exercises and introducing my muscles to different feelings and movements, but sometimes I feel the urge to do the classics that are tried and true. They have been around for quite some time for good reason- because they work! One of my favorite abs workouts that everyone knows about is the bicycle. Because it works so many muscles at the same time, it proves itself as one of the best ways to tone your midsection. The moving from side to side engages all of the muscles in your abdomen and sides, and the bicycle motions of your legs also tightens your thighs. I am all about efficiency when partaking in toning exercises! 

Lay flat on a yoga mat or towel. Place both of the palms of your hands on the back of your head with your elbows extended out so that they are out of your peripheral vision. (This is the same pose you keep your arms in for a classic crunch.) Slightly lift both of your legs and head from the mat. Touch your right elbow to your left knee and then your left elbow to your right knee alternately giving you the feeling that you are riding a bicycle upside-down. Be sure to extend your legs straight out when switching knee to knee. Perform 5 sets of 30 reps, hugging your legs and stretching your body flat for 15 seconds in between each set. It gets difficult, and you feel the burn, but stick with it through the end to see your desired results!