A woman's stomach is the same anatomically as a man's. No matter your gender, the best ab exercise is one that you will actually do. For this reason, stick to beginner ab exercises unless you are a long-time exerciser or athlete. Beginner exercises still work your abs but are less likely to be intimidating or injury-causing.
Supine Pelvic Tilts
Supine means face up. The name supine pelvic tilts just means that you should lie face up while performing the well-known pelvic tilt exercise for the stomach. Pelvic tilts work your abs by manipulating the position of your pelvis by alternatively contracting and relaxing your abs. To do this exercise, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lay your arms to your sides at shoulder level on the floor, palms down. Then, inhale and relax your abs. Exhale and use that contraction to help you squeeze your abs and press your lower back flat. Arch your back off the floor as you inhale again to relax your abs once more.
Side Extension
The side extension hits those love handles on the sides of your stomach. These muscles are called your obliques and they are the main target of the side extension exercise. The other muscles of your core and your shoulders are other muscles used in this exercise. Simply stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart and your arms raised above your head. Hold an object like a water bottle or a dumbbell horizontally between your hands. Then, lean to the right by bending at the waist. Stand back up straight and lean to the right.
Crunch with Alternate Leg Extensions
The crunch with alternate leg extension targets your abs like a classic crunch, but the leg extension adds a little more challenge without making the exercise too complex. Begin lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. The arms are bent with your hands behind your head. Engage your abs by raising your head and shoulders off the floor. Also, lift and straighten your right leg approximately 12 to 18 inches off the floor. Support your lower back and activate your deep ab muscles by pulling in your abs as you lift your leg. Think of pressing your belly button to your spine. Place your upper body and your foot back on the floor. Repeat, but lift your left leg.
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