The abdominal muscles – or abs – are found between the ribs and the pelvis on the front of the body. They have several important functions including supporting the trunk, allowing movement and helping to hold organs in place.
Everyone will have abs, they just might be hidden under a layer of fat, and some may be weaker than others. Getting rid of that fat to expose the abs is therefore a popular fitness goal for many people.
However, doing so can be easier said than done. One expert took to social media platform TikTok to share the exercises she does to keep her abs on display.
Clinical scientist and personal trainer Ann Barrante posted a video under the hashtag Fit Over 50. The 55-year-old revealed her own abs at the start of the clip, impressing her followers.
One viewer commented: “Ma’am I’m 25 and you look better than I ever have.” Another said: “Goals. You are so inspiring!”. Another remarked, “You look amazing.”
But what is the secret to her toned physique?
She shared some standing exercises we can all try using a weighted ball. For the video she used a ball that weighs 6lb, or 2.7kg.
The first exercise involves creating a figure of eight by moving the ball in front of you.
“So you’re gonna start with a figure eight,” she said. “These are soft.
“I’m hoping you can see my core working with the shirt up. And so you’re just gonna kind of weave it here, okay?
“It’s close to the body.” She recommended doing this for one minute.
Ann said: “You’re going to notice your back might feel a little tension. So just keep it close to the body.”
Then she swung the ball from side to side with slightly bent arms to keep the ball close to her body.
“Then you’re gonna go side to side,” Ann said. “Knees are soft, abs are in.”
She then extended her arms out.
The mum-of-three said: “Then as you get into it, you’re going to take a straight arm right here, about 10, nice and easy. Come back low.”
Ann then tossed the ball from side to side in a controlled way.
She added: “And then again, I like to toss the ball a little bit, using your core for the resistance.
“It’s not necessarily the weight of the ball. It’s the resistance right here with your core resisting as you’re twisting.
“And keep those knees soft to take the pressure off the spine.”