Fitness | Update & My Tips for a Flat Stomach

Happy Monday! I hope that you have made a great start to the week, I am determined to make this a good one :) How cold is it in the UK right now? Brrr! Doesn't the weather know it is March? I just want it to warm up a tad! So today I thought that I would share a fitness update with you all. 

I have been continuing to work hard ~ I am running twice a week and spinning once a week for my cardio and then toning, a bit of yoga and stretching in between. I have found that since I have started spinning my running has benefited too. I am breaking personal bests all over the place at the moment! It feel so good to break a personal record when you aren't even trying for it. I have found that HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) has worked greatly for me. My instructors incorporate it into my spin classes and I have been working it into my running too. This is a great way to workout if you are short on time as it really burns calories and works you hard so if you are short on time such as in the morning before work, this is a great way to fit a workout in which you know will be effective. It's a great way of building up your stamina and fitness levels as a whole. Check out these HIIT workouts from self.com, my personal favourite and a great one to start with is the Sweet Sixteen HIIT. 

If there is one thing that all girls want for summer it is a flat, toned stomach. This is one area which I have always struggled with but if you have seen my pictures on instagram lately (@jaynebecca) you will see that slowly but surely I am getting there. So I thought I would share a few tips and some great abs exercises with you! 

• Green tea and water ~ Yes, you've heard this all before, why? Because it works! Drink plenty of each everyday and you will find that your stomach is flatter and bloating reduces. 

• The plank ~ this is a great exercise for core strength. It targets those deep inner core muscles and strengthens your lower back. It may look simple but how long can you hold a plank for?

• The side plank ~ This one is great for toning the sides of the waistline. From the standard plank position above go up onto your hands, raise one arm up and twist to the side. Return to your starting position and change to the opposite side, repeat for 5-10 reps. 

• The bicycle crunch ~ Very simple and very effective! Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your feet extended off the ground. In one continuous motion bring your right elbow to your left knee and then your left elbow to your right knee. Repeat! I usually do about 50 reps.

• Abs are made in the kitchen ~ No quick fix, no fad diets just good old fashioned healthy eating. 

Let me know what you have been up to fitness wise lately!