Ab Exercises For Losing Inches

Exercising the abdominal muscles is one of the most effective methods for losing inches around the stomach. Among the results of abdominal exercise is a tightening effect. By tightening these muscles, the stomach pulls in and appears thinner. To achieve this effect, the front and both sides of the core must be stimulated. Below is a list of exercises that will train each of the angles.

Stability Ball Crunches

Lie supine (on your back) on the stability ball with the lower-to-middle section of the back on the top of the ball. Place the feet flat on the floor about hip-width apart with the thighs, hips and lower abdomen approximately parallel to the floor. Place the hands at the sides of the head or fold them across the chest or abdomen. Breathe out as you slowly curl the torso to raise it 30 degrees to 40 degrees from the starting position. Keep the feet flat on the floor and the thighs and hips stationary. After completing the crunch, breathe in as you slowly allow the torso to uncurl back down to the starting position.

Stability Ball Alternate Crunches

Lie supine (on your back) on the stability ball with the lower-to-middle section of the back on the top of the ball. Place the feet flat on the floor about hip-width apart with the thighs, hips and lower abdomen approximately parallel to the floor. Place the hands at the sides of the head or fold them across the chest or abdomen. As you curl the torso up, breathe out as you slowly start to twist the shoulders to one side until the chest is at 30 degrees to 40 degrees from the starting position. Keep the feet flat on the floor and the thighs and hips stationary. After completing the crunch, breathe in as you slowly allow the torso to uncurl back down to the starting position. Repeat to the other side of the body.

Reverse Crunches

Lie supine (on your back) with legs extended out, with your hands face down under the buttocks. Lift the ankles up to a 90-degree angle by bending at the hips. Breathe out as you thrust the legs upward by bringing the hips up off the ground. Breathe in as you slowly return your legs and hips back to the starting position.