Stomach Toning Exercises For Men

When a man tones his stomach, he reaps multiple benefits: improvements in physical appearance, posture and an increase in physical capability, to name some. To properly tone the stomach muscles, a man must work all of his lower back and abdominal muscles. Strength training exercises that challenge a man's midsection in conjunction with regular cardiovascular exercise and a healthy diet lead to a trim and firm stomach.

Stability Ball Crunch

A 2001 study conducted by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and San Diego State University researched the most effective abdominal exercises. The stability ball crunch ranked in the top three for exercising the rectus abdominus, the long muscle that runs down the front of a man's stomach. According to the Mayo Clinic, men are more likely to experience visceral or stomach fat. Visceral fat increases the risk of stroke, heart disease and some forms of cancer. This exercise helps reduce visceral fat in men, lowering risks of chronic health conditions. To do the stability ball crunch, sit on a stability ball. Before doing a crunch, choose a ball that's an appropriate size for your height. While sitting on the middle of the ball and resting your heels on the ground, your legs should form a 90-degree angle. After finding a ball appropriate for you, walk your feet out in front of the ball, resting your shoulders and lower back on the ball. Place your fingers behind your head and gaze at the ceiling. Avoid tucking your chin toward your chest to prevent neck strain. Tighten your abdominal muscles and lift your hips until they form a straight line with the rest of your body. Crunch your shoulders and upper back 6 inches toward the ceiling, pausing in the lifted position. Lower to the start and repeat until you complete 15 repetitions.

Reverse Crunches

The obliques are the muscles on the sides of the abdomen. Exercising the obliques creates muscle definition, and improves a man's twisting, bending and rotational power. The ACE study ranked reverse crunches as one of the top three exercises to exercise the sides of the stomach. Additionally, this exercise helps create the lower abdominal "V" appearance associated with a strong stomach. To do the reverse crunch, lie on your back. Press your head and lower back firmly against the floor. Maintain contact with the ground throughout the exercise to protect your back and utilize your abdominal muscles. Bend your legs, cross your ankles and lift your knees directly above your hips. Tighten your abdominal muscles and slowly pull your knees towards your chest three inches. Return your knees to the start position and repeat until you complete 15 repetitions.

Toe Taps

This exercise strengthens the entire midsection and contributes to toned abs. Exercising the core (lower back, stomach and hips) ensures muscular balance and promotes full toning of a man's abdominal area. This toning exercise improves a man's posture and core power. Improving core power during abdominal exercises provides men with additional strength while they do other exercises, including chest presses and jumps. To do the toe tap, kneel behind a stability ball. Roll onto the stability ball and walk your hands out in front of the ball. Stop when the ball is only on your your shins and feet. Align your hands directly under your shoulders. Tighten your abdominal muscles and lift your hips so that your shoulders, hips and legs form a straight line; proper form guarantees that your core does the work during the exercise. Lift your right foot off the ball and tap the floor, next to the right side of the ball. Return your foot to the ball. Do the same with your left foot and continue alternating until you complete 20 repetitions.