Gracie Abrams’ stunning vocals have been on full display during her hit tour, and so have her killer abs.
While performing for audiences all around the world in recent months, Abrams has shown off her toned midsection while rocking cropped tops, and her fans have taken to social media to share photos of the 25-year-old’s strong core.
Although Abrams hasn’t shared her workout secrets, the star coyly addressed her viral abs in a recent video for Vogue when asked about her gym routine.
“Oh God, I have nothing to offer on that front guys,” she teased.
When pushed further, Abrams did admit that she’s been racking up plenty of hours working out.
“Honestly, on this tour we have been in the gym more than any other tour. I think it keeps your brain clear of the spiders. You know? It just makes me feel less crazy,” she said.
While we all wait for the “Close to You” singer to share the details of her abs workout routine, TODAY.com sought the expertise of fitness and nutrition experts to find out how you can get started on your own abs journey if Abrams has inspired you.
Workouts to replicate Gracie’s ab-tastic look
If a six-pack tops your list of fitness goals, you’ll want to start by setting achievable targets for yourself.
“Realistically, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to over a year to see abdominal muscles, depending on your starting point, consistency, diet and workout intensity. Everyone’s different, so just keep at it and stay patient,” Start TODAY trainer Stephanie Mansour tells TODAY.com.
The first step to a six-pack, per Mansour, is strengthening your core muscles.
“The abdominal muscles are made up of three different sections: the upper and lower abs and obliques. Abdominal exercises should be performed three to four times a week, making sure to change up your exercises to target all three muscle groups,” she noted.
Read on for exercises Mansour recommends to help you achieve your quest for a toned core. In addition to the below, keep in mind that other kinds of exercise can also be quite useful.
“Cardio will help burn daily calories, and combined with strength training can create a more confident and strong body while remaining consistent over time,” Mansour said.
Exercises that target the obliques (side abs)
Russian Twist
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Directions: Sit on the floor with your knees bent in front of you and your feet resting on the floor. As you keep your torso and lower body still, begin slowly rotating side to side. Reach your hands toward the floor on the right then move to the center and reach your hands toward the floor on the left.
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Number of reps: Repeat 10 times on each side.
Wood Chop
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Directions: Stand up tall and reach both arms straight up toward the sky. Lean your torso slightly to the left and step your right foot out a bit so that it is not directly under your hip. Pull both arms down and across your body from left to right as you bend and lift your right knee into the air. Bring your hands down to the side of your right hip before putting your foot down and lifting your arms back up in the air.
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Number of reps: Repeat 10 times then repeat on the opposite side.
Exercises that target the upper abs
Crunches
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Directions: Lie down on your back with your knees bent, feet as wide as your hips and feet flat on the floor. Tighten your abs, pulling your belly button in toward your spine and engaging your core throughout the exercise. With your hands placed gently behind your head and elbows wide, use your abs to bring your shoulder blades off the floor. Exhale as you lift your body. Slowly release the position, inhaling as you lower your head to the mat with control. Return to the starting position.
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Number of reps: Repeat 10 times.
Exercises that target the lower abs
Reverse Crunch
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Directions: Lie on your back with your arms at your sides. With your knees bent, squeeze your abs and raise your legs so that your knees are hovering over your hips at a 90-degree angle. Keep your calves parallel to the mat so that your legs are in a tabletop position. Engage your core as you lift your hips and knees toward your chest (ie. tilting your pelvis forward). Keep your entire upper body on the ground. Make sure that only the lowest part of your back comes off the ground — nothing more. Keep the legs at a 90-degree angle throughout the entire movement as you come back down, through tabletop and tap your feet on the ground.
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Number of reps: Repeat the steps 10 times, remembering to breathe slowly while squeezing your abdominals.
Nutritional tips for six-pack abs
You don’t earn a six-pack without putting in the time in the gym. But nutrition can be equally important when you’re craving a toned core.
“Maintaining a healthy eating routine will help reduce the overall amount of body fat, including the midsection, enabling the abdominal muscles to show,” Mansour said.
Abrams hasn’t shared her exact diet, but TODAY Nutrition Editor Natalie Rizzo said we can surmise a few things based on the way her abs look.
“In general, people that are very fit and have chiseled muscles usually eat a high protein diet, with plenty of lean protein sources, like poultry, eggs, fish, soy, beans and legumes. That means they probably eat at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight,” she said. “Since Abrams is dancing and singing, she may also need more calories and carbs to give her energy for performances.”
Rizzo also noted that Abrams likely eats a mix of healthy foods including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and proteins to maintain her physique.
The bottom line?
Abrams looks healthy and strong. But it’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all route to toning your midsection.
“I think it’s important to note that celebrities with chiseled abs often have personal trainers and chefs on staff to take the guesswork out of exercise and eating. Her look isn’t unattainable, but it’s much easier when you have help,” Rizzo said.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com