3 Exercises for Toning Your Tummy (And What to Do If They Don’t Help)
Spring is here, which means that bathing suit season is right around the corner. To help you get a firm midsection in time for summer, New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald shares three core exercises that, when paired with regular cardiovascular exercise and a healthy diet, are great for toning your tummy.
#1: Mountain Climber
Step 1 – Begin in a push-up position, with your hands flat on the floor, your arms extended and directly in line with your shoulders, and your legs extended behind you. Keep your body straight, maintaining a straight line from the crown of your head to your feet.
Step 2 – Bend your right leg, bringing your knee toward your chest, and then straighten it out again, returning your foot to the floor and ending back in your starting position. Repeat this move with the left leg. Alternate legs, doing as many as you can for 60 seconds. Make an extra effort not to let your hips and butt rise as you do this.
#2: Side Hip Raise
Step 1 – On the ground, roll onto the left side of your body. Bend your left (bottom) leg so your left foot is on the ground behind you. Prop yourself up by leaning on your left elbow, making sure your elbow is in line with your shoulder. Raise your right arm so your hand is pointing toward the sky. Now, extend your right (top) leg so it is straight, keeping your right foot on the ground for balance.
Step 2 – Raise your hips a few inches then dip your hips back down, allowing them to hover just above the ground. Repeat this motion, doing as many small raises and dips as you can in 30 seconds. Switch sides and then repeat.
#3: Reclining Leg Lift
Step 1 – Lie on your back and prop up the top half of your body with both elbows. Support your lower back by putting your hands under your hips. Raise both legs off the floor, bending your left knee and straightening your right leg. Your body will form somewhat of a “V” shape.
Step 2 – Keeping your left knee bent, lower both of your legs a few inches and then raise them up again. (The farther down you lower your legs, the more challenging the exercise becomes.) Moving slowly, lower and then raise your legs as many times as you can in 30 seconds. Now, bend your right knee and straighten your left leg and repeat.
If Your Tummy Is Still Not Toned
If you are following a healthy diet and performing both cardiovascular and strength-training exercises frequently but are still not getting the toned tummy you desire, you should consider undergoing tummy tuck surgery in New York with Dr. Greenwald. Sometimes, diet and exercise are not enough to get rid of loose skin that has lost its elasticity or to tighten damaged or separated abdominal muscles. If this is the case, tummy tuck cosmetic surgery may be an effective option to help you get into beach-ready shape.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Greenwald to discuss your tummy tuck options, please contact his practice by calling (914) 421-0113.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.