Your torso is the middle section of your body. This area does not include your arms, legs, head or neck. When you want to strengthen your torso and abs at home, you have multiple exercises to choose from. In order to do these, you must use your body as resistance and include some creativity.
Pushups
Pushups are exercises that target your chest. Lie face down on the floor with your hands slightly wider apart than shoulder-width and your feet hip-width apart. After pushing yourself up, lift your hips, and tighten your core to get your back straight. Slowly lower yourself down until your chest is within a fist width of the floor. Push back up, and repeat 10 to 12 times.
Placing your toes on a chair and your hands on the floor, do decline pushups to target your upper chest. Placing your hands on the chair and your feet on the floor, do incline pushups to target your lower chest.
Supermans
Supermans are lower back exercises that also target your butt. Lie face down on the floor with your arms extended above your head and your legs straight. Slowly raise your arms and legs off the floor simultaneously. Hold for a full second, slowly lower, and repeat 10 to 12 times. According to the American Council on Exercise, avoid any arching of your back or raising of your head throughout.
Planks
Planks are yoga poses that are performed from a face-down position. Lie on your stomach with your hands directly under your shoulders and your toes hip-width apart behind you. Once in this position, push yourself up, lift your hips and form a straight line from your shoulders to your heels by contracting your abs. Hold for 30 to 45 seconds. This exercise helps tone the abdomen, according to yogajournal.com.
Leg Raises
Leg raises, or lifts, target your lower abdominal area. Lie face up on the ground with your hands at your sides and your legs straight. After lifting your legs six inches off the floor, raise them two to three feet higher. Slowly lower them to the starting point and repeat 15 to 20 times. If you feel pressure on your lower back, place your hands under your spine.
Twist Crunches
Twist crunches strengthen the muscles called the obliques, on the sides of your stomach. Lie on your back with your knees bent, your feet flat on the floor and your hands on the sides of your head. Carefully raise your shoulders off the floor, and twist your torso, bringing your right elbow toward your left knee. Slowly lower yourself down, and repeat to your opposite side. Continue going back and forth for 15 to 20 reps.
Long Lever Crunch
Long lever crunches strengthen your upper abs. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your heels propped up on a chair. After extending your arms behind your head and clasping your hands, raise your shoulders off the floor, and curl your body forward. Squeeze your abs forcefully, lower yourself down and repeat for 15 to 20 reps.
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