Jilly Anais, a multifaceted model, content creator, and entrepreneur, attributes her notably sculpted abdominal physique to a disciplined and consistent workout routine, with a strong emphasis on Pilates and a variety of core-strengthening exercises. Her approach integrates physical training with mental well-being and mindful nutrition, presenting a holistic strategy for achieving and maintaining a strong core.
The Core of Her Routine: Pilates Power
At the heart of Anais’s ab-sculpting regimen is Pilates. She identifies herself as a “die-hard Pilates girl,” committing to core-focused Pilates sessions four times a week. This consistent engagement with Pilates has been a key factor in chiseling her abdominal muscles over the past six months. Pilates, known for its emphasis on core stability, strength, and flexibility, plays a crucial role in developing the deep abdominal muscles that contribute to a toned and defined midsection.
Targeted Abdominal Exercises
Beyond her dedicated Pilates practice, Anais incorporates a range of specific abdominal exercises into her broader fitness routine. These targeted movements are designed to engage various parts of the core, leading to comprehensive abdominal development.
Key ab exercises she has shared include:
- Weighted Abdominal Exercises: Anais performs 12 repetitions of various ab exercises, sometimes utilizing a 12-pound ball to add resistance, although she notes that weights are optional and the exercises are effective without them.
- Straight-Up Crunches: She executes 12 straight-up crunches, focusing on keeping her shoulders elevated off the ground throughout the movement to maintain continuous tension on the abdominal muscles.
- Bicycle Crunches (Side-to-Side “Bikes”): Anais includes 12 repetitions of side-to-side “bikes,” a dynamic exercise that targets the obliques and upper abs.
- Scissor Kicks: For lower abdominal engagement, she performs scissor kicks, often placing her hands beside her glutes for support.
- Variations on Crunches and Core Movements: Her routine also encompasses exercises like bird-dog, various crunch modifications (including bending the elbow to the knee, lengthening limbs, and holding crunches with arms extended), and movements that involve lifting the back off the floor and crunching forward or to the side interchangeably. These exercises work to strengthen the abdominals, obliques, and deep core muscles.
A Holistic Fitness Philosophy
Jilly Anais’s approach to a sculpted physique extends beyond just isolated ab exercises. Her overall workout regimen is comprehensive, promoting general fitness and well-being, which indirectly supports core strength and definition.
Her broader routine includes:
- Cardiovascular Training: Anais dedicates 45 minutes to cardio, often incorporating Peloton rides into her daily schedule. Cardio is vital for fat loss, which helps to reveal underlying abdominal muscle definition.
- Full-Body Engagement: In addition to abs, her workouts feature squats for glutes, and exercises for legs and arms, ensuring a balanced and strong physique.
- Consistency is Key: Anais strongly emphasizes the importance of consistency in her workout routine, viewing it as crucial for achieving lasting results.
- Post-Workout Recovery: She often concludes her workouts with a 15-minute session in the sauna, which she considers an excellent way to end her training.
The Role of Nutrition and Mindset
Beyond physical exertion, Anais highlights the significance of nutrition and mental well-being in her fitness journey. She is a proponent of healthy eating, enjoying juicing and preparing nutritious meals for herself. This focus on a balanced diet complements her rigorous training by fueling her body and supporting muscle recovery and growth.
Anais views working out as a form of “therapy,” emphasizing its benefits not only for physical strength and physique but also for mental health and overall well-being. She considers the time dedicated to exercise as an hour to step away from daily distractions and focus on self-improvement, contributing to her happiness and success. This integrated approach to fitness, combining consistent and targeted physical activity with mindful nutrition and a positive mindset, forms the foundation of Jilly Anais’s highly effective routine for sculpted abs.