Sophie Gray's Top 10 Moves for Amazing Abs
Browse Sophie Gray’s popular Instagram account ([@WayofGray](https://www.instagram.com/wayofgray/)) and you’ll notice two things right off the bat: her big, silly smile that makes you feel like she’s already your BFF and her constant encouragement towards self-love and healthy living.
Overview
Browse Sophie Gray's popular Instagram account (@WayofGray) and you'll notice two things right off the bat: her big, silly smile that makes you feel like she's already your BFF and her constant encouragement towards self-love and healthy living. As part of that, Gray, a registered holistic nutritionist and personal trainer, stresses all things in moderation — even clean eating and exercise.
But for a quick burst of energy and feel-good endorphins, she recommends circuits, such as this combination of planks and crunches she came in to demo for us, to strengthen and tighten your core. Do each exercise for one minute, and then move on to the next exercise. Repeat the circuit twice.
1. Plank Up-Down
Regular planks just not cutting it? Add some movement to take them to the next level!
HOW TO DO IT: Start in a high plank with your hands under your shoulders. Lower down to a forearm plank one arm at a time. Then push back up into a high plank. Keeping your core tight will also help your hips stay level and prevent them from sagging. With each rep, alternate which arm goes down first.
Read more: The 7-Day Self-Love Challenge With Sophie Gray
2. Crunch Reach
Standard crunches are so old-school! Try this variation instead.
HOW TO DO IT: Lie on your back with your arms at your side. Lift your right arm over your head and crunch up, reaching to the left. Don't let your chin fall toward your chest, and focus on only using your core strength to lift your shoulders and upper back off the floor. Lower back down and switch sides.
Read more: 21 Sit-Ups You Won't Totally Hate
3. Plank Tap
Get ready for another plank variation that'll challenge your abdominal endurance and build serious strength in your core and upper body.
HOW TO DO IT: Begin in a plank with your hands under your shoulders. Lift your right arm off the ground and touch it to your left shoulder. Set the hand back down and perform with the left hand to your right shoulder. The key here is to stay solid in the plank position, even though you're only balancing on one hand.
Read more: Why Crunches Won't Give You Flat Abs — and the 12 Moves that Will!
4. Side-to-Side Sit-Up
Ever done the Russian twist? This ab exercise is a slight variation on that move, but you'll feel the burn in your abs just as much.
HOW TO DO IT: Start seated with your feet in front of you and knees bent. Lean back slightly and, if you want an even greater challenge, lift your feet a few inches off the floor. Bring your hands up to chest level and reach out to the left side with your right hand. Come back to center and repeat on the other side, extending your left arm across your chest and out to the right side. Continue alternating sides, consciously drawing in your abs the entire time.
Read more: These 12 Moves Will Get You Washboard Abs — We Show You How!
5. Plank Reach
You didn't think you were done with planks, did you? Here's one more variation to round out the circuit.
HOW TO DO IT: Start in a forearm plank (elbows under shoulders and forearms pointing forward). Maintaining your rigid form from head to toe, reach one hand out in front of you as far as you can. Bring it back and repeat on the other side. As with the other plank, don't let the sides of your hips sink with each reach.
Read more: The 41 Hardest Ab Exercises
6. Tabletop Crunch
Here's the last exercise of the circuit before repeating it all again! By keeping your feet elevated, you're engaging the lower portion of your abs.
HOW TO DO IT: Begin on your back with your arms crossed over your chest in an X. Raise your bent legs so that your knees are over your hips and your thighs form a 90-degree angle with your shins. Engage your abs and bring your head, shoulders and upper back off the floor without straining your neck or folding it forward. Lower back down and repeat.
Read more: The 12 Best Moves to Bust Fat Under the Belly Button
What Do YOU Think?
Do you follow Sophie Gray on Instagram? Who else do you follow for fitness and wellness motivation? What are some of your favorite ab exercises? Are any of them on this list? Which ones would you add to a circuit workout? Share your suggestions in the comments below!