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Fit Tip: Try Pilates at Least Once

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

While I was doing bicep curls at the gym yesterday, I was reminded of how great Pilates is. Why, you may ask? Because so many Pilates fundamentals extend to other activities, so you can exercise better no matter what you're doing.

If you've never taken a Pilates class, I urge you to try it at least once so that you can apply the lessons to the rest of your fitness routine. For instance, Pilates focuses a great deal on breathing and control, both of which come in handy when strength training. The more you control your movements, the less prone you are to injury.

Even more useful is learning to suck in your abs (engage your deep abs), concentate on your core, and keep your spine neutral. This not only protects your back and improves posture but also helps build your ab muscles. After dabbling in Pilates, you'll learn that sucking in your abs during just about any activity — from weightlifting to canoing — can help you tighten your tummy and protect your back.

So give it a shot and see what you learn. Who knows? You may even find a new workout you love. Are you a Pilates fan? If so, tell me what it's taught you.

7 Ways to a Flatter, Fitter Belly

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700

No matter how many crunches you do, you cannot spot reduce your midsection. If you are battling with your belly check out these seven things you can do to make peace with your midriff.

Source

Which of These 7 Things Has Helped You?

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:17:25 -0700

Fit Tip: Remember to Work Your Back

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0700

You should be proud of yourself for making the time to do crunches and other grueling exercises that work your abs. Not only do strong abs look good, but they help to prevent back pain. The thing is, they're not the only part of your body that makes up your core. Don't forget about the other side of your body. If you constantly focus on moves that tone your tummy and your back muscles are weak, this imbalance may cause pain and result in injury down the road. So work on incorporating some strengthening exercises that target your upper, middle, and lower back. Check out these exercises that target those areas:

Back Off series of back-strengthening moves.
Get Your Back Ready to Bare slideshow of back exercises.
Basic moves such as Two-Minute Headstand and Superman that require no equipment.
Yoga poses: Half Wheel, Wheel, Bow, Warrior 3, and Scorpion.

Source

How Much Do You Know About Your Abs?

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

When asked, the majority of you responded that your abs were the most difficult body part to tone. But knowledge is power. Take this quiz to see how much you know about your abs.

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Ab Inspiration

FitSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:30:00 -0700

I thought I would share some wise words I read recently about the midsection of the body . . .

“Abs are built in the kitchen.”
– Tami, One Fit Mommy

"Really?" You might say, "I thought toning my belly was all about crunches, and plenty of them." To that I must respond: No matter how hard you work your abdominal muscles, if you are eating junk the chances of having well defined abs are really low. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and lay off the food that doesn't fuel your body. To borrow a phrase from Sugar User syako, you need to "eat a clean diet" to help highlight your strong abs!

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Fit Tip: Start With Ab Work

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 03:00:00 -0800

It seems commonplace to incorporate ab work into your cool down; probably because at the end of a grueling workout it is so nice to lie down. This is assuming you do both a cool down and ab work, but I have faith that you do both.

Here's an idea though, start your workout with abs and core exercises. After warming up, warm up your center with some ab work and feel how this improves your other activities. When you work out, either lifting or doing cardio, you will be better able to stabilize your torso. Feeling connected to your core will not only help your overall form but it will also help protect your back and prevent injury. For instance, engaging your core will help you take that backward sway out of your bicep curls.

Looking for ab work? Try this short, sweet and complete ab exercise video to work your abs. Follow those moves with a few elbow planks to warm up your core. You will definitely feel connected.

When I start my workout with ab exercises, I feel the heat of my center radiating to my limbs and I feel stronger and more efficient. Try it next time you work out and let me know how it goes.

Source

No Equipment Necessary: Ab Crossover

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 03:00:00 -0800

The Ab Crossover (aka the Ab Chopper) is a great way to work your abs while working your shoulders a little bit too. It's a good alternative to boring old crunches so try it out.

Here's how:

Lie on your back with your knees bent and hands straight overhead, clasped together.
Crunch up (contract your abs) while bringing your hands over to the outside of your left thigh. That's is one rep.
Lower back to start position and repeat to the outside of your right thigh. That is another rep.
Do two sets of 20 reps.

Fit's Tips: If this is too easy then hold a light medicine ball in your hands. You can also make it more difficult by doing more reps.

Get on the Ball: Crunches

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:30:00 -0800

Although many people don't enjoy it, no one would ever tell you that abdominal work is not important. If you want a strong body, you need a strong center. Chances are high you want to make every bit of your abdominal workout count so to make your crunches most effective you need to move them onto a ball. A recent study ranked traditional crunches as the 11th most effective abdominal exercise, but ranked crunches on an exercise ball the most effective. Crunching on the ball made the abs work 24 to 38 percent more. And in this case more is good! To balance on the unstable surface of the ball, your core is stimulated to recruit more muscle fibers.

If you are new to using an exercise ball for ab work, to get some important details

Fire Fighter Workout: Part IV

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 08:30:00 -0800

If you tried the fire fighter workouts I've been posting on earlier then you're feeling for those folks in uniform, since the workouts are literally no walk in the park. Here is the arms/abs portion of the circuit workout. Be prepared to sweat as these circuits are loaded with some tough exercises. Check out these highlights:

ARMS (Note: Repeat arms and core/abs (part 2) circuits consecutively)

Triceps extension: Stand on resistance band. With arms raised and elbows by your head, hold the band's handles behind your head. Raise them over your head, and then back down. 30-60 seconds.

Fire curls: Stand on resistance band with both feet, arms at sides. Bend arms at elbows and raise to shoulders. Lower. 30-60 seconds.

Lateral extensions pulse: Stand on resistance band with arms raised to the sides (palms down). Lift arms a few inches, then lower. As fast as you can for 30 seconds.

Reverse ax chop: Stand on resistance band with both feet. Hold the band in front with arms locked. Reach back over your right shoulder with both arms as if you were raising and swinging an ax. Alternate between shoulders. 60 seconds.

To see the core/abs portion

Stretch It: Abs

FitSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:45:00 -0800

We spend a lot of time working towards that coveted six pack, but we often forget to stretch our ab muscles after working them.

So here is a simple stretch that not only does wonders for stretching out your abs but also feels great — it also happens to be my favorite stretch:

Lie face down on the floor, preferably on a mat.
Position hands on floor to sides of shoulders. Make sure that your hands are placed beneath your shoulders, about shoulder-width apart.
Push torso up until your arms are basically straight while keeping your pelvis on floor.
Hold for 20-30 seconds.

Fit's Tip: Be sure to look ahead, rather than upwards so you don't strain your neck.

Source

I Don't Buy It: AB-DOer Xtreme

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 03:00:00 -0800

Who doesn't want to have a thin, sculpted belly? People are even getting 6-Pack Surgery, but if you're like most people, you won't go under the knife to get flat abs. Fitness equipment companies know this, so they create numerous devices that supposedly melt away belly fat.

Here's a new one I came upon called the AB-DOer Xtreme ($100). Get this - it's a machine that "works your entire waistline and helps you lose weight, burn fat and build muscle...Not only is it possible to lose weight and inches, but it's fast and easy." Hmm...

I do like that this machine gets you moving, but come on! The ad says you will lose 10 pounds in a month by using the machine! It's such a scam that so many people fall for. Here's the deal. You can't get rock hard abs just by toning your belly. You've also got to do cardio to burn calories and get rid of the layer of fat that's covering your muscles.

Fit's Tips: You don't need to spend $100 on the AB-DOer, or any other ab strengthening piece of fitness equipment (like the Excel Body Gym). My advice is to get yourself a pair of sneakers and start walking or running to burn calories. Then work on strength training exercises (that you can do on the carpet) to tone your mid-section. It's cheaper, healthier for your body since you're working your heart and other muscles, and more effective too.

Six-Pack Surgery?

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 02:30:00 -0800

With the invention and creativity of cosmetic surgery, if there's something about your body that you don't like, and if you have the money and the guts to go under the knife, you can get almost anything done. Body modification isn't just about breast implants and nose jobs anymore. You can get calf implants, butt implants, and guys are even getting pectoral implants. I guess I didn't realize that men are also feeling the pressures of society's standards to look good.

I just came across a new kind of surgery that blew me away. Six-pack surgery. More professionally known as abdominal etching, this procedure will turn your pudgy belly into a washboard. It's a kind of precision liposuction, where the doctor sucks fat from your belly, revealing the abdominal muscles that lie underneath. At first, when I saw the name of this procedure, I thought they carved out or put little implants in your belly to make it look like you have a 6-pack, but that's not the case. You actually have to have the muscular definition, either naturally or from working out.

How much does it cost to get six-pack abs? To find out

What's the Deal With: Diastasis

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 03:00:00 -0700

It should come as no surprise that pregnancy can pull quite a number on a woman’s body. The weight gain, the hormonal changes, the carrying a nine pound bowling ball in your belly – these things all add up and can change a few things anatomically. One very common after effect of pregnancy is diastasis when the top layer of abdominals, the rectus abdominis, separate by pulling away from the center line of the body known as the linea alba.

While that may sound painful, the muscles slowly stretch and separate over the course of the nine months so there really is no pain involved. The pain actually may occur sometime later, in the form of back pain since the spine relies on strong abdominals for support.

Diastasis is fairly common and the muscles will come together on their own about 6 months after labor. Post pregnancy, it is considered healed/normal when only 2 fingers fit in the gap between the abs. Working the deep abdominals, primarily the transversus abdominis, TVA, is your best bet for strengthening your abs and reducing the gap. The TVA pulls all 4 layers of abdominal muscles toward the spine and in essence fills in the gap created by the diastasis. By working the deep abs you can decrease the gap!

To see how to test for the condition

5 Reasons to Work Your Abs

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Maybe you've been neglecting your abdominal muscles recently because you're still trying to get rid of that layer of fat covering them. Well, just because you can't see how strong they are does not mean you shouldn't strive for a strong midsection.

Here are my top five reasons for working on your abs:

The 'Core' Reason: A strong midsection helps your entire body function in everything you do from exercising to sitting at your desk at work.
The 'Disease Fighting' Reason: Studies have shown that individuals with a large waistline (stomach obesity) have the highest chances of developing fatal diseases, like heart disease.
The 'Aches and Pains' Reason: Your midsection can absorb stress and strain from the activities you do. Furthermore, strong abs can help put an end to back pain.
The 'Gotta Get Your Z's' Reason: Obesity, particularly abdominal and upper body obesity, is one of the most significant risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) - a condition that can cause a person to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep.
The 'Aesthetic' Reason: Let's face it -- Tight abs are hot.

Convinced yet? Good, now here is a great video to get you started.

Source

New Member of the Ab-alicious Club: Hilary Duff

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:45:00 -0700

We know that Hilary Duff loves Pilates, but now we get to see the pay off of all that ab work. Hilary shows off her bikini body in the upcoming issue of Shape. Yep, she is the cover girl for August.

Here are a few of her health secrets:

Exercise: Pilates, swimming and treading water, which helps her "firm up." She believes a workout shouldn't be boring or overly strenuous, and Pilates definitely fills those requirements.
Diet: Lots of protein, lots of veggies and oatmeal for breakfast. Hilary believes in finding a healthy mix and making trade offs. It is OK to eat your favorite foods, like dessert, but only after skipping the pre-dinner bread basket.
Health: When she turned 16, Hilary decided to get in shape and get healthy. She is part of the Stay fit. Eat right. Looking good, California campaign, which is dedicated to bringing healthy food to school cafeterias across California.

Hilary turns 20 in September but her healthy philosophy sounds levelheaded and wise:

Stay healthy, eat healthy, eat what is good for your body and what gives you energy -- and feed your sweet tooth every once in a while. That is the best way to go.

Thanks, Hilary. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Source

Which do you like LESS: Arm work or Ab work?

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Some of us avoid working parts of our body and the reasons are too many and individual to list. So between arm work and ab work which body part do you avoid working out?

Which do you like LESS: Arm work or Ab work?

Arms

Abs

Other - tell me below

Will the Ab Machine Get You Abs Like Kate Hudson?

FitSugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Kate Hudson's abs are looking fab these days, but can you get abs like that by using the ab machine at the gym?

Ab machines will definitely give your abs (and back) a decent workout, but I wouldn't rely on this machine for head turning abs. The problem with the machine is that it only allows you one position and if your goal is abs like Kate, a good idea would be to work your belly from all angles.

Right now I am loving the full body crunch because not only does it add variety to a boring ol' crunch and it works your abs from several angles, you can also do it anywhere. Here's how: Lie supine (on your back) with knees bent, feet touching floor and hands behind your head. Curl your abs up (make sure to pull your belly button towards your spine and flatten your lower back against the floor), while bringing your shoulders and feet off the floor. Hold for 3 seconds and lower slowly back to starting point to complete one -- Do 3 sets of 15 to start, but work your way up to doing 3 sets of 25.

Fit's Tip: Make sure to breathe on the curling action of the exercise and don't use your hands to push your head up, your abs should be doing all the work.

For motivation on doing full body crunches, i.e. more pics of Kate's fab abs then

Wedding Planning Mania on FitSugar: Round Up

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:30:00 -0700

If you are planning your wedding, you are probably planning your wedding fitness routine too. So let's review a few exercises you can do to get your arms and abs ready for the big day:

Elbow plank and the side elbow plank
Side push-ups
Your basic push-up

working out is a great way to chill out

walk like Eva Longoria

helpful pod casts

time for yourself

For chilling out with your fiancé, you can try couples yoga. There is a lot of trust and strength involved in many of the poses, and please do them in a safe and soft environment.

If one of the things that is stressing you out is your skin, these tips and products on how to deal with bacne might relieve some of your stress.

What ever you do, do not forget to order your aromatherapy bubbles for your big day.

Oh and another thing, you are never fully dressed without your smile.

Push Your Push-Ups

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Now that you've got the push-up under control, how about making it a little bit more challenging?

All you have to do is add a little decline to the push-up. Adding decline is a great way to target your upper body (chest) muscles more than just a regular push up and the best part is that you use your own body weight for resistance. Start easy with your feet on a low step or small bosu. Work your way up to putting your feet on something higher like a stacked step, a bench or even an exercise ball to really challenge yourself.

Fit's Tip: Do not compromise form. If you find that it is too challenging to put your feet on an incline and still keep good form, then work on building strength before trying this variation.

Source

Multitasking Move: Arms and Abs

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 11:45:00 -0700

I love multitasking, about this I cannot lie. I really love a multitasking exercise. Arms and abs are often what brides want to work in their pre-wedding Pilates sessions. Well, here are 2 types of elbow planks to get the job done, and they are not just for brides. Planks are a great way to get your body bikini ready.

Elbow Plank

Hold for 30 seconds

Pull your abs up toward the ceiling, but do not break at your hips
Really press through your elbows so you don't collapse between your shoulder bladesReach through your heels to activate the back of your legs and your booty (similar to weighting your heels when you do a squat)

Side Elbow Plank

Keep your waist lifted away from the floor, work those obliques
Press down with your elbow to keep your shoulder away from your ear
Reach through your top hand, this will make you feel lighter

Both exercises are fine to do if you have wrist problems since the weight is on your elbow, not your hands.

Try holding each plank for 30 seconds, and work up to holding them for a minute. These are great to do during commercial breaks while watching TV. Just put something under your elbows to cushion them.

"Ab"solutely Don't Overwork Your Abs!

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I know that bikini season is approaching fast. I also know that we are all looking to get those abs in tip-top shape; with this in mind, many of us have the tendency to go a little ab crazy right now. However, if you overwork them, you may be doing more harm than good.

The abs are like any other muscle in the body -- Intense work followed by a period of rest and recuperation (at least 48 hours) is the best way to develop them. Working them out on a daily basis is not a great idea because you are not allowing for that essential rest time. Think about having an intense "ab" day once or twice a week -- This would be a day that you only focus on exercising your abs, proceeded or followed with at least 30 minutes of cardio, of course.

I know it's tempting, but resist the urge to do those once obligatory 100 crunches at the end of your workout every single day. You and your abs can thank me later.

Kayaking for Fitness and Fun

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Kirsten Dunst has recently been spotted in Maui relaxing and getting toned with some fun kayaking.

If you're lucky enough to be vacationing some place warm enough to spend some time on the water like Kirsten, then you should definitely consider kayaking. Don't be intimidated by kayaking I know there is the roll over factor, but in reality kayaking can be a very relaxing and toning experience. To learn why and to see more pics of Kirsten kayaking in Maui,

The Hula Chair

FitSugar — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 08:00:00 -0700

Check out the Hula Chair. Basically, you plant your feet flat in front of you, press the button, and start moving your hips and core in a circular motion.

The makers say it will improve your balance and coordination as it gently aligns your spine and improves blood circulation. You'll love how it feels as it works out your abs and mid-section. They say it is a great way to warm up for any activity.

Hmm, you could spend $199.95 on this ("operators are standing by 24 hours a day"), or buy 3 regular hula hoops from Wham-o for just $14.95. Then you can hula hoop with some friends, and for only $5 each.

How Often Should I Work My Abs?

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:45:17 -0800

A lot of people who are looking for a flat, tight midsection may have the tendency to work their abs every day, but that may not be the answer.

The problem with that is this: Your abs are not different from the other major muscles of the body which means you want to give them (like you would your other muscles) time to recuperate. Keeping that in mind, you really shouldn't work your abs (high intensity ab workout) more than three times per week, allowing at least 48 hours rest between training sessions.

Here is the good news: If you're involved in a regular strength training program, you may even want to think about training your abs even less because you're probably working your abs more than you think. The abdominals act as "stabilizer muscles", which means they help support the spine and maintain balance so they are indirectly involved in just about every exercise (even in the slightest way) that you perform. A lot of exercises (such as squats, overhead presses and swimming) require significant contributions from the abs so basically, your abs are being inadvertently worked every time you work out. In fact, many bodybuilders never really only work on their abs, however most body builders have some serious abs.

Fit's Tip: You may say, "but Fit you told me to do your 4 minute ab video everyday!" Yes I did, but that video is not high intensity (say at least 30 minutes of straight ab work), which is what I am talking about here.

Countdown to the Oscars: Get Fit with Ellen and Bob

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 11:00:00 -0800

On day nine of my Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and Bob, Bob takes us through a series of great exercises such as the Russian twist, knee pulls, crunches, side bends and pull ups. I love the idea of doing modified pull ups on the treadmill - Bob is so great!

Just like Bob says, keep moving - run around your house if you have to just don't stop. Can you believe we are already on day nine? The Oscars are approaching so fast and you must be getting fit by now! Check out the past workouts with Ellen and Bob. Don't forget that there is still time to cast your ballot for The Oscars on Buzz!

Strike a Yoga Pose: 4 Limbed Staff

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 11:00:00 -0800

4-Limbed Staff pose, also called Chaturanga Dandasana in Sanskrit, is one of the toughest yoga poses to hold. It works yours abs, your back, and your upper arms and shoulders intensively. The thing about doing this pose, is once you get the right technique and you practice it a lot, it'll get easier.

We always do this pose in Sun Salutation A and B, and in between poses, so you'll get to do it a lot during a yoga class.

From Standing Forward Bend pose, you're going to inhale, straighten your arms and back, and look up. You can bend your knees so that you can place your palms flat on the ground.
Bend your knees slightly and step your right foot all the way back and then your left, so that your body is in one straight line. (You can also jump both feet back together). You want your shoulders directly above your wrists. This is called Plank pose. It's like the top of a push-up.
As you exhale, bend your elbows straight behind you so they brush against the sides of your body. You want to try to keep your body parallel to the ground. Draw your belly button up towards your spine to protect your lower back. Work on keeping your shoulders parallel with your elbows. This is called 4-Limbed Staff pose

Eventually the three moves all flow together with no breaks or holds in between, so you go from looking up in the the Standing Forward Bend (1st photo), straight into 4-Limbed Staff pose (3rd photo). Practice bending your knees and jumping both feet back at the same time, and lowering your body, all in one exhale.

Why Does My Body Shake?

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:45:00 -0800

Sometimes during certain exercises, my muscles quiver involuntarily, especially when I'm doing ab work. Does this happen to you?

Good news: That shaking means you're working and strengthening your muscles. But it's also a sign that the muscle is not accustomed to the demands you're putting on it.

The trembling indicates how the muscles grab and release one other as they lengthen and shorten during the exercise. But that action will become smoother, and the shaking will stop, once the muscles become more used to the activities you're doing.

Although the shaking isn't dangerous, the fact that you're putting extra demand on the muscles could result in some soreness the next day. The soreness reflects the fact that there's some muscle damage, but when the body repairs it, you come back fitter and stronger in the end, so it's a good thing.

Just think - If you do the exercise everyday then you will get stronger and shake less. Test that theory by doing the 4 minute short, sweet and complete ab routine everyday.

Fit's Tips: So don't overexert yourself too much. If you find yourself quivering from the start, take the intensity down a bit, and ease your muscles into working harder gradually.

Get Lifted: Dumbbell Side Bends

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 09:00:00 -0800

Dumbbell Side Bends will definitely work to whittle your waist away. Check out this video to see how the exercise is done. Try it next time you are at the gym.

Fit's Tip: If you are inexperienced, you may want to start with less weight and if you are more experienced you may want to start heavier.

Where's the Muscle?

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 07:30:00 -0800

So you've been doing tons of crunches to get rid of your gut, and you feel the difference. But you've got to press through a layer of flab to feel it. What gives?

Even if you do your ab work out every day, you're strengthening your belly, but not doing anything about the layer of fat above your washboard stomach.

The answer? To lose the fat you have to combine all those abdominal crunches with some cardio. Do 30-45 minutes at 70-80% of your maximum heart rate 3 times a week. Curious to know what your maximum heart rate is? Check out Fit's Calculator for the answer.

Burning calories, doing your crunches, and eating a sensible diet will have you seeing your fabulous abs in no time.

The Skinny On: Neutral Spine

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 04:00:00 -0800

We all want to have some neutral shoes and neutral pants in our wardrobes. But what about a neutral spine? If you have heard an instructor use the term neutral spine in a fitness class, but didn't have a chance to clarify its meaning - I'm here to give you the skinny on it.

Neutral spine means maintaining the natural curves of your spine. If you are lying on your back, the lowest 5 vertebrae should NOT be smashed into the ground but making a slight curve away from the floor. Your rib cage does rest on the floor. The neck mirrors your lower back and pulls away from the floor, while your skull rests heavily on the ground.

When lying on your back, a simple way to check if you are indeed in neutral is to make sure your ASIS (that's what folks commonly call their "hip bone") is in the same line as your pubic bone. Place the bottom of your palms on the ASIS and your middle fingers on your pubic bone. They should make a plane parallel to the floor. To see a spine way past neutral

Work Your Abs without doing a single crunch: Reverse Curls

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 09:00:00 -0800

Want a six pack but hate doing sit ups? Then try this at-home variation of the reverse abdominal curl:

Lie on the floor (it's best to do it on carpet or a mat) on your back with your arms at your side.
Bend your knees so that your upper legs (from knees to hips) are perpendicular to the floor.
Place a pillow between your hamstrings and calves and hold it in place by squeezing your hamstrings to your calves.
Bring your knees toward your chest and as you are doing that curl your abs in.
Bring your legs back to the starting position to complete one rep.
Do 2 sets of 25.

For another variation of the reverse ab curl,