Get Flatter Abs Without Doing Crunches

You want a flatter tummy but you don’t want to do crunches? You’re in luck. There are many exercises you can do that will help flatten your tummy and strengthen your abs. You can’t spot-reduce fat, like trying to get rid of belly fat alone, so get at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every day to help burn fat all over your body, including your belly. Reduce your caloric intake and cut down on fats, sugar and processed foods to promote weight loss. Improving your posture will make your stomach look slimmer. When you slouch or slump your belly protrudes. Stand up straight with your shoulders pulled down and slightly back. Then, try some of the following exercises to tighten up your abs. 

The abdominal twist works all your abdominal muscles including those hard to train obliques on each side of your waist. Stand up straight with your feet about hip-width apart. Stretch out your arms and interlace your fingers with your palms together. Lift your left knee up toward the right side of your body and simultaneously twist your body and your arms toward the left. Lower your left foot, straighten your body and then repeat on the other side. Do 10 repetitions in the beginning. Add more repetitions as you grow stronger and leaner. 

You can do the ab hold exercise sitting down. Sit on the edge of a chair that does not have arm rests. Straighten your back and place your palms on the edge of the chair with your fingers pointing forward. Squeeze your abs tight and lift your feet off the floor about 2 inches and then lift your bottom off the chair using your arms. Hold this position for about 5 seconds and then relax and sit back down. Repeat this exercise 8 to 10 times. 

The arm and leg raise can be done as a warm-up exercise prior to doing your regular aerobic or strength building exercise. Get on the floor on your hands and knees. Keep your back straight from your hips to your shoulders. Look down at the floor. Squeeze your abs tight. Lift your right arm and your left leg and stretch them out fully. Hold the position for about 5 seconds and then return to your hands and knees. Repeat the exercise with your left arm and your right leg. Do 8 to 10 repetitions on both sides.