The start of a new year is usually a time for people to set goals for the coming months. One of the most common goals that people have is to be more physically fit by exercising and having a better diet. But this is not as easy as it sounds, especially right after the holidays after people attended different Christmas parties and dinners with their family and friends.
But there are simple workouts that people can do in order to fulfill that resolution and stay in shape for the new year, especially when it comes to losing belly fat gained over the holidays. Dr. Crystal Roxas, a doctor, fitness enthusiast, and fitness advocate, along with cross-fit trainers Dino and Gino Mercado, give us three simple ab workouts as well as a post-workout drink to help start our fitness journey on the right track.
Some of the simple home workouts that focus on our core and combine high energy with good results are seated leg lifts, crunches, and butterfly sit-ups.
Seated Leg Lifts
To do this workout, you first need to sit on a chair and remain in an upright position. Make sure to relax your shoulders. Then, you raise your legs close to your chest. While bringing your legs up, make sure to keep your core tight, then slowly bring your legs down. This simple workout can be done in five sets with 10 reps or more for better results.
Crunches
This workout, meanwhile, requires you to lay down flat on your back on the floor. Make sure your heels are planted on the mat. Then, you bend your knees, lift your upper body, make sure your core is engaged. During this time, you will feel the crunch on your abs, then go down slowly. As with the seated leg lifts, this workout can also be done in five sets with 10 reps or more for better results.
Butterfly Sit-ups
Similar to the crunches, to do this workout, you need to lay down flat on your back and put your heels together. Keep your heels open and close together. Then, you raise your arms above you and your shoulders off the floor with your arms. Do this until you are in a sitting position, after which you will reach for the front of your legs with your arms. Engage your core, relax, and return and do five sets of 10 reps or more for better results.
Aside from these doable and practical workouts which can be done at home, Dr. Crystal Roxas also recommends a healthy post-workout drink in the blueberry smoothie. This drink will be the perfect complement to your workouts as you accomplish your body goals for the new year. Some of its health benefits include rich anti-oxidants, low-calories and fat, and high fiber. To prepare this smoothie, you just need to prepare ice, yogurt, blueberry, and milk, while others also mix whey protein with the drink after workouts to help repair muscles.
While it can be intimidating to set body goals at the start of the year, a combination of exercising and a proper diet will go well together. Doing both will help us have a better and more holistic approach in reaching our wellness journey and accomplishing our fitness goals for the year. For more fitness tips, you can watch episodes of Body Goals or visit Plus Network on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
