Office Workout: Abs

Just because you sit for eight hours or so a day, doesn’t mean you can’t stretch and tone different parts of your body; in fact, it’s probably the best time to squeeze in some exercise since you have to be at you desk.

Here are a couple of simple exercises you can do to tone your abs while filling out spreadsheets or participating on a call. While it won’t compare to the workouts you get at pilates or the gym, it’s definitely a great way to strengthen your core in the office.

Ab Contraction
Sit upright in your chair. Your chin should be parallel to the floor, your shoulders should be pulled back, and your pelvis should tuck under slightly. While maintaining your posture, inhale and tighten your abs for thirty seconds.

Side Bend
Sitting upright in your chair, with an object of significant weight, extend your arms over your head. Bend slowly to the right and contract your abs. Return to the center and repeat on the left. This is one rep. Repeat 8 – 10 times.

Ab Twist
Sit upright and face forward while holding the object at chest level. Without shifting your lower body, turn slowly to the right. You should feel your abs contracting as you do this. Return to center and repeat on the left. This is one rep. Repeat 8 – 10 times.

Swivel Sculptor
If you have a resistance band, which is actually a great thing to keep in your desk, you can work your arms in addition to your obliques with the Swivel Sculptor from Self. Place the band under your left foot and hold an end of the band in each fist. Your palms should face downwards, your fists should be next to each other, and your elbows should be out to the side. As you turn to the right, lift the band towards your chest, until your elbows are in line with your shoulders. Lower arms as you return to center. This is one rep. Repeat 8 – 10 times.

Image courtesy of realsimple.com.