Ab Exercises for a Firmer, Flatter Stomach

Most of us could do with a fat loss and stronger muscles around our midsection. Belly fat and weak abdominal muscles can not only make you look like a pear, but belly fat can also contribute to diseases such as heart disease and even cancer. Burn fat and lose weight by eating a healthy diet and getting at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day. Do ab strengthening exercises to firm up your tummy every other day in addition to aerobic exercise to help flatten and firm your abs.

The front plank is an effective abdominal exercise that strengthens the tranverse abdominis and the rectus abdominal muscles. Get on the floor and support your body on your forearms and your toes. Stretch your body out fully. Keep your spine straight from the top of your head all the way to your heels. Squeeze your abdominal muscles tightly and then lift your entire body straight up off the floor. Keep your elbows underneath your shoulders for balance and support. Hold the plank exercise for 5 seconds and then relax. Try to do 5 repetitions of this exercise.

Leg lifts are another very effective abdominal exercise. Your butt and legs will also get a good workout. Lie on the floor on your back. Place your hands, palms down, under your butt. Flatten your back against the floor and keep your legs close together stretched out in front of your body. Squeeze your abs tight and then lift both legs upward toward the ceiling. Lift your legs as high as you can. Bend your knees and then bring your knees toward your chest. Straighten your legs back out and lift toward the ceiling. Hold for a few seconds and then relax. That’s one rep. Try to do 5 repetitions.

The crunch is the tried and true abdominal exercise. Lie on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands on the floor, palms down, on either side of your body. Squeeze your abs tight and lift your upper body off the floor using your abdominal muscles. Hold for a few seconds and then relax. Start with 5 repetitions and gradually build up to 10 or more.