Getting a tight, flat tummy takes more than just a few sit-ups. While abdominal exercises will help you build muscles in your stomach, you need to burn tummy fat in order to show off your new muscle definition. There are a number of exercises that can elevate your heart rate in order to burn fat, as well as build and tone abdominal muscles.
Bent Knee Sit-ups
Bent knee sit-ups work as well now as they did when you were in grade school P.E. Lie on your back on the floor with your feet flat and your knees bent. Place your hands behind your head with your elbows pulling out. Exhale, flex your abdominal muscles and curl your upper back off the floor towards your thighs, pulling your ribcage towards your pelvis. Remember to keep your feet, tailbone and lower back on the floor at all times. Hold your position briefly, then uncurl yourself back down to the starting position. Time yourself and perform as many bent knee sit-ups as you can in one minute in order to elevate your heart rate and burn excess tummy fat.
Double Leg Stretch
Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent into your chest and your arms wrapped around your knees. Flex your abdominal muscles and curl your shoulders off the floor. Press your lower back into the floor and stretch your legs up and out so they are in a 45-degree angle from the floor. Simultaneously, reach your arms straight up so your body forms a "V" shape. Flex your abdominal muscles to bring your arms and legs back to the original position. This exercise will tighten your lower abdominal muscles, as well as build your upper and oblique muscles.
Leapfrog
This exercise can increase the rate and help you burn up to 13 percent more calories, according to Amy Dixon, a columnist for "Women's Health Magazine." Stand in front of a 12- to 18-inch step with your feet placed hip-width apart. Bend your knees and tighten your core muscles in order to jump with both feet onto the step. Bend you knees as you land with heels first so that you land quietly and gracefully. Push down into your heels and jump back, landing on your heels first, then your toes. Your abdominal muscles and your legs should be powering you up and down from the step. Time yourself for one minute, jumping on and off the step, maintaining good form in order to increase your heart rate and get rid of tummy fat fast.
The Matrix
You will need a 10-lb. small weighted ball for this exercise. Hold the weighted ball pressed into your abs and kneel on the floor. Position your knees hip-width apart. Tighten your stomach muscles and lean as far backwards as you can without moving your knees. Pause for three seconds, using your abdominals to hold you steady, then to bring your body back up to the starting position. This exercise will help get rid of tummy fat and build strong abs.
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