Sophie Turner is shredded, with a capital S. In a collection of snaps posted on Instagram at her friend’s hen do, the actress, best known for playing Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, showed off her toned abs in a bikini.
Comments from fans flooded in, with one writing: “The abs are abbing” while another said, “The six pack survives,” in reference to a quote from the fantasy series.
Another fan noted, “It’s the Lara Croft form”, regarding her rumoured role in Amazon’s new Tomb Raider series, although the future of the programme currently hangs in the balance.
Turner’s is not the only toned physique that has elicited a storm of praise and envy online. Singer Gracie Abrams’ six-pack recently went viral on TikTok, with users saying she puts the “ab” in Abrams.
The questions about her workout routine became incessant, and the popstar told Cosmopolitan that the obsession with her abs had “gotten kind of out of hand”. “I don’t have a routine, I swear on my life,” she claimed.
@lyvchai gracie ABrams🙂↕️🙂↕️ #gracieabrams #tsoutour #thesecretofus #paulmescal #fyp #fypシ゚viral #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #swifttok #swiftie #music #abs
♬ It's ok I'm ok - Tate McRae
While the singer says there’s no magic formula, there’s certainly some steps you can take.
How to get abs like Sophie Turner and Gracie Abrams
Stuntwoman and Pilates instructor Imogen Leaver gives us her top tips on strengthening the core and defining abs.
Engage your core
Abs equal core. If we’re trying to get shredded abs, maintaining a full range of motion in the core, and keeping the core engaged throughout every exercise is essential.
Full-body exercises are a necessity, but if we specifically want to target abs, then any position either in a plank or lying on your back with your legs up in a tabletop position, lifting your head or shoulders off the mat will keep your core engaged. Even if you’re a beginner, focusing on simple exercises like a slow bicycle crunch; keeping your movements deliberate and controlled, is an easy beginning to improve your abs and core.
Skip the refined sugar
We all know diet and exercise go hand in hand, but focusing on cutting out refined sugar is key. Swapping to sugar-free fizzy drinks or leaving out the syrup in your next iced matcha are quick ways to lower your overall sugar intake. Focus on whole foods and veggies, and maybe try a piece of fruit for an afternoon sweet treat, rather than a biscuit.
A lemon water in the morning can be a great detoxifier for the body, and a good pre- and pro- biotic is essential to maintain good gut health too. Balance is key though, and it’s important to still enjoy yourself. Just aim to be conscious of what you’re putting in your body and what could be harder to burn off in the long run.
Opt for light cardio
Crazy HIIT workouts can be a fun way to get your blood pumping, but for ab-focused fitness, it’s best to keep them to a minimum, especially as we age. Instead, opt for light cardio exercise once or twice a week like a gentle run, swim or even a Versaclimber class.
For those tight on space or time, a skipping rope is a great way of achieving a quick five minutes of cardio in the comfort of your home.
Let’s lift!
It's time to get lifting. Although it can seem daunting, weight training is a great way to improve our overall strength and define our abs. Even better, as we age, it also helps keep our bones nice and strong and maintains our posture - an added bonus if you’ve been sitting hunched over a desk all day.
Consider getting a trainer if you're new to weight lifting, to ensure you’re training with the correct form.
Get those steps in
The easiest switch is to focus on walking and start packing in the steps; everywhere, every day, as much as possible! If you can, trying to avoid public transport and walking to work or the shops is the quickest way to get more movement into your day. Keeping a moderately intense pace gets your body into the fat burning zone, without breaking too much of a sweat.
Consistency is key
Having unrealistic goals is often how we can slip up, so it's important to figure out where in our routine we can add changes and stick to them. Maintaining good habits is the fastest way to achieving any exercise-focused goals, so it's crucial to be realistic.
Keeping consistent can be much easier than we think - even if you haven’t got time for a workout, just going for a walk every day is a quick way to build up a habit that you’re more likely to keep going with.
Become a Pilates princess
While it may feel like we’re all a bit Pilates-mad at the moment, it's not surprising considering the benefits. Whether you choose to go for a classic mat Pilates, or reformer (complete with weights and pulleys that helps to add extra strength training to your session), Pilates is the perfect way to tone your body, and your abs in a fun environment.
For added wellness benefits, look into an infrared Pilates class, where the studio is heated with infrared panels, so your body keeps warm whilst you train.
Engage your core…always
As we’ve said, the quickest way to focus on defining your abs is engaging your core - but this doesn’t just have to be in the gym. Keeping your core engaged as you go through daily life can make a big difference. It might sound silly, but try it whilst washing the dishes or climbing the stairs, it doesn’t need to be complicated - and make sure to keep your pelvic floor engaged too.
Practicing keeping your core engaged on the regular will make a surprising impact when you do come to exercise and make the whole journey to shredded abs that bit easier.
Imogen Leaver’s four ab-focused exercises for a speedy workout
Bicycle Crunch/Single Leg extension
Keep the movements super slow and controlled as you twist side to side, ensuring you tap your elbow to your opposite knee.
Half Crunch
With bent knees, place your hands behind your ears and do a slow half crunch, and try and pulse in that position. For extra burn, modify the move to raise your legs into a tabletop position, or even extend them out completely.
Plank
Would it be an ab workout without a plank? Try incorporating hip dips to the side to work the obliques, and keep your back flat whilst maintaining the position.
Boat Pose
Sitting on the mat, raise your legs into a tabletop position, keeping your body upright and spine straight - a sort of V-shape with bent legs. To push yourself, you can extend your legs and arm straight upwards, keeping tension in the core.
