Ab exercises don't just give you a nice looking stomach, they play a crucial role in stabilizing and strengthening the body's core. Strong abdominal muscles improve stability, increase balance and make many other physical activities easier, according to the Mayo Clinic. You don't need to go to a gym to work out these muscles, many ab exercises are easy to perform from the comfort of your own home.
Planks
Planks are a simple isometric exercise that work the core muscles, including the abs. Starting in push up position, bend your arms and rest your weight on your elbows. Join your hands directly under your face and continue to gaze downward as you hold your body in a straight line. Remain in this position, and use your ab muscles to support your midsection and prevent your body from sloping down. Stay in the position for 30 seconds to start out, and try to build up to a full minute over time.
Hanging Leg Lifts
Bodybuilding.com recommends hanging leg lifts for work on the ab and midsection. In this exercise, grab a stable pull up bar and let your body dangle with your feet off the floor. Lift your legs and bring your knees in to your chest. Once your knees are bent, re-extend your legs until they are straight, but don't let them touch the floor. Repeat this exercise 10 times, and perform three reps.
Arm and Leg Raise
Fitness Magazine notes that the opposite arm and leg raise doesn't just tone your abs, it increases overall balance and strengthens the muscles of the arm and the leg. Start on all fours. Raise your right arm out in front of you, and raise your left leg and point it behind you. Hold this position for five seconds, and then do the same thing on the opposite side. Do this 15 to 20 times on each side.
Ab Bicycles
Workout website Critical Bench recommends the bicycle crunch as an effective ab exercise. In this maneuver, begin flat on the floor, hands behind your head, with your legs raised slightly off the ground. Bring your right knee into your chest while keeping your left leg straight. As your knee approaches the chest, use your ab muscles to raise your left elbow. Twist your torso so the elbow tries to meet the knee. Return to neutral, and then perform the same motion on your opposite side. Try three reps of 10 on each side.
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