Bruce Lee’s abs workout routine

Bruce Lee was a martial arts icon of our time, with one of the strongest bodies ever seen. He always focused on possessing a powerful body to be able to face 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 wouldn’t you know? He boasted of having one of the most chiseled physiques ever known.

Lee always emphasized perfect form when exercising. Regarding abs, he once said, “The correct way to do sit-ups is not just to go up and down, but to snuggle; to snuggle again, like rolling up a roll of paper.” Form is of the utmost importance, and if your form is not solid, why exercise?

So without further ado, here is Bruce Lee’s abdominal workout (and in addition to these, check out these simple tips to tone your stomach):

1. Sit-ups twists.

4 sets of 20. Lie on the floor or on a mat, with your knees bent and your 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 gently like the newspaper Bruce Lee talked about as far as you can comfortably go. Rotate your torso to the left as far as you can comfortably. Gently return to your starting position. Repeat the exercise and turn your torso to the right this time. This is a rerun.

2. Steep turns.

4 sets of 50. Stand up straight and place your feet about 60 cm apart. Take a broomstick or wooden stick and place it on your shoulders. Hold it with your hands where you can comfortably. Bend your upper body forward while keeping your back straight, and then rotate the pole toward the ceiling as much as you can comfortably. Return to your starting position and do the exercise again for the other side. This is a rerun.

3. Waist twists.

4 sets of 70. Sit upright in a chair with your toes facing forward. Put the handle of your broom on your shoulders and hold it with your hands. Twist your torso slowly to the left. Hold this position momentarily and return to the middle. Repeat the movement and turn right this time. This is a rerun.

4. Frog kicks.

4 sets of 50. Lie on the floor or on a mat and close the space between your lower back and the mat. Bring your knees up to your breastbone and bring your feet out to about 45 degrees.

5. Leg raises.

4 sets of 20. Lie on the floor or on a mat, with your knees down and your legs together. Remember to close that space between your lower back and the mat. Gently lift your legs together, up to about 45 degrees, and slowly return to the starting position, but don’t let your legs touch the ground.

Along with these abdominal exercises, Bruce Lee rode a stationary bike for about 45 minutes a day, as explained in these simple stomach toning tips.