Unless you’re very lucky, you’ll have to exercise to keep your belly flat. It’s fitting, then that one of the tools that can help your quest is also flat -- the slant board. The typical slant board features a long, flat surface propped up on one end. To work your abs you’ll generally lie on the board with your head at the higher end and then you pull your legs up against gravity’s resistance.
Leg Raise
Step 1
Lie face up on the board and reach over your head to grab a support or the side of the board. Position your body straight from head to toe with your heels touching the floor.
Step 2
Exhale as you bend from the hips to raise your legs. Keep your knees only slightly flexed. Stop when your legs are roughly perpendicular to the floor then thrust your legs straight up, lifting your hips off the bench.
Step 3
Inhale as you return slowly to the starting position. Perform at least 15 repetitions.
Leg-Hip Raise
Make a slant board exercise more difficult by increasing the board’s angle or by securing a weight to your feet or legs. Make the exercise easier by decreasing the angle. For example, exercises are easier when the board is horizontal rather than angled at 45 degrees relative to the floor.
Don’t perform incline leg raises if you have lower back problems. Consult your doctor or the appropriate medical personnel if you’re in doubt.
Step 1
Lie face up on the board and reach over your head to grab a support or the side of the board. Position your body straight from head to toe with your heels touching the floor.
Step 2
Exhale as you flex your hips and knees, raising your knees to your upper chest. Your hips should rise completely off the board at the top of the movement.
Step 3
Inhale as you return to the starting position. Perform at least 15 repetitions.
Tips
Warnings
References
Tips
- Make a slant board exercise more difficult by increasing the board’s angle or by securing a weight to your feet or legs. Make the exercise easier by decreasing the angle. For example, exercises are easier when the board is horizontal rather than angled at 45 degrees relative to the floor.
Warnings
- Don’t perform incline leg raises if you have lower back problems. Consult your doctor or the appropriate medical personnel if you’re in doubt.
Writer Bio
M.L. Rose has worked as a print and online journalist for more than 20 years. He has contributed to a variety of national and local publications, specializing in sports writing. Rose holds a B.A. in communications.