Bruce Lee was a martial arts icon of our time, with one of the strongest bodies ever seen. He always focused on having a powerful body to be able to cope with the demands of martial arts, or practically any activity. He saw the abdominal musculature as a shield that protects the rest of the torso. And you wouldn’t know it: he boasted one of the most chiseled physiques ever known.
Lee always emphasized perfect form when working out. Regarding sit-ups, he once said, “The proper way to do sit-ups is not just to go up and down, but to curl up; to curl up again, like rolling up a roll of paper.” He’s absolutely right. Form is of the utmost importance, and if your form isn’t solid, why even work out?
So, without further ado, here’s Bruce Lee’s ab workout (and in addition to these, check out these easy tips for toning your stomach):
1. Abdominal twists.
4 sets of 20. Lie on the floor or mat, knees bent and toes pointed forward. Try to minimize as much space as possible between your lower back and the mat. Rest your hands behind your head, but you don’t have to interlock your fingers. Snuggle up softly like the newspaper Bruce Lee spoke of as far as you can comfortably reach. Turn your torso to the left as far as you can comfortably. Return gently to your starting position. Repeat the exercise, turning your torso to the right this time. This is a repeat.
2. Banked turns.
4 sets of 50. Stand up straight and place your feet about 2 feet apart. Take a broomstick or a wooden stick and place it on your shoulders. Grab it with your hands where you can comfortably. Bend your upper body forward while keeping your back straight, and then rotate the tube toward the ceiling as far as it will comfortably go. Return to your starting position and do the exercise again on the other side. This is a repeat.
3. Waist twists.
4 sets of 70. Sit up straight in a chair with your toes pointed forward. Put the broom handle on your shoulders and grasp it with your hands. Slowly rotate your torso to the left. Hold this position momentarily and return to center. Repeat the movement and turn to the right this time. This is a repeat.
4. Frog kicks.
4 sets of 50. Lie on the floor or a mat and close the space between your lower back and the mat. Bring your knees up to your sternum and kick your feet out at about 45 degrees.
5. Leg lifts.
4 sets of 20. Lie on the floor or mat, knees down and legs together. Remember to close that space between the lower back and the mat. Gently lift your legs together, straight up to about 45 degrees, and slowly return to the starting position, but don’t let your legs touch the floor.
Along with these ab exercises, Bruce Lee rode a stationary bike for about 45 minutes a day, as explained in these easy tips for toning your stomach.