Your abdominal muscles can be easily targeted and toned to optimally support your body. Even if your stomach is fairly strong and lean, the lower abdominals beneath your belly button can be a difficult area to target. There are strategic exercises to tone this area effectively while maintaining your current stomach strength.
Hanging Knee-Ups
An effective way to tone your stomach muscles is to hang from a pull-up exercise bar with your knees bent. Grip the bar with your palms facing you and actively engage your shoulders and back. With arms slightly wider than shoulder-distance apart, lift your bent knees to your chest. Repeat this for five to 10 repetitions, depending on your strength. To target the oblique abdominal muscles as well, do this exercise by bringing your bent knees up toward your armpits. Repeat on each side for five to 10 repetitions.
Superman Crunches
The double crunch strengthens upper and lower abdominal muscles. Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and the inner arches of your feet touching. Fold your arms and place your palms on opposite shoulders so that your forearms form an X across your chest. Simultaneously lift your chin toward the ceiling as you bend your knees and bring them in toward your chest. As you do this, your shoulder blades and hips should lift slightly off the floor. Use your hands to support your head and neck area.
Reverse Crunches
The reverse crunch strengthens your lower stomach muscles beneath your belly button. Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and the inner arches of your feet touching. Place your arms down along your sides with your palms on the floor. Ground down through your palms as you bend your knees and lift your feet toward the ceiling. As you do this, your lower back may begin to arch. Don't allow this. Use your lower stomach muscles to keep your lower back flat on the floor. Repeat lifting your legs 10 to 12 times before resting. Rest for no more than 60 seconds and complete another set. If your abdominal strength allows, perform a set of more repetitions and less rest.
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