So you’ve beaten the stomach flab and you have the flat belly that you’ve always wanted. But where’s that sexy muscle that was supposed to be under there? Even if you have a flat belly naturally, that doesn’t mean it's toned. Yet, with regular ab exercises, you can tone that tummy in a short time. Do three sets of the exercises at least three times per week to see real results.
Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercises.
Medicine ball
Stability ball
Step 1
Do the side plank. Lie on your right side on a mat. Bend your right elbow 90 degrees and place your right forearm on the floor directly under your shoulder. Tighten your abs and lift your body up onto your right forearm and foot, forming a straight line with your body. Hold the position for 30 seconds or as long as you can. Repeat on the other side.
Step 2
Perform seated trunk rotations. Sit on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you. Keep your legs slightly bent. Sit up tall. Hold a medicine ball with both hands next to the front of your body with your elbows bent. Tighten your abs. Twist to the left, exhaling. Keep the ball next to your body throughout the exercise. Return back to the center, inhaling. Turn to the right, exhaling. Return back to the center, inhaling. Repeat 15 times.
Step 3
Climb up, a towel that is. Roll a towel lengthwise. Lie on your back on an exercise mat. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Place your right foot in the middle of the towel and hold onto the ends of the towel with both hands. Straighten your right leg, lifting it upward. Flex your foot. Tighten your abs. Walk your hands up the towel as far as you can. Walk your hands back down. Repeat eight times on each side.
Step 4
Crunch your abs. Lie on your back on a mat. Lift your legs up, bend your knees and place your calves on the seat of a bench or chair. Put your hands behind your head. Tighten your abs. Lift your shoulders and upper back off of the mat as high as you can. Lower yourself back onto the mat. Repeat 20 times.
Step 5
Do sit ups. Sit on a stability ball and walk out with your legs until your back is flat against the stability ball. Put your feet flat on the floor and bend your knees 90 degrees. Your legs should be hip-width apart. Put your hands on the back of your head. Tighten your abs. Lift your shoulders and back up as far as you can. Lower yourself back down. Repeat 15 times.
Warnings
Things You'll Need
References
Warnings
- Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercises.
Writer Bio
Though constantly traveling the world, Julia Williams is based in Chicago and has been writing since 2006. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting. She is also a licensed fitness instructor, specializing in Pilates since 2003 and has written hundreds of articles on exercise and health.