While working your abdominal muscles won't necessarily burn belly fat, according to the Mayo Clinic, ab exercises will strengthen and tone the muscles to make your waist appear tighter. Incorporate weight to your ab routine by exercising with the help of weight machines.
Standing Cable Rotation
The cable crossover machine, shaped like a large metal rectangle, holds a stack of weights on either end with a cable attached to each. The adjustable cable moves up and down a vertical track, allowing you to work out nearly every part of your body with the same machine. Your abs are no exception. Stand underneath the frame with a cable to one side. Side step 2 to 3 feet away from the cable to add tension and hold the handle with both hands just under your sternum. Rotate away from the cable as you breath out, hold briefly and return to the starting position. Perform the exercise from each side of the machine. According to the American Council on Exercise, standing cable rotations work your abs, transverse abs and obliques.
Cable Crunch
Cable crunches work your central abs using the same cable machine. Position the cable near the top of the track and attach the rope handle. Kneel on the floor in front of the cable and hold each side of the rope attachment with one hand. Bring your hands down until they are on either side of your face and hyperextend your back slightly. Bend at the waist while contracting your abs until your elbows reach your thighs and slowly return to the starting position. Exhale as you bend down and inhale as you return. To target your obliques, hold both sides of the rope to one side of your head and perform the same motion.
Ab Crunch Machine
The ab crunch machine specifically targets your abs, as the name implies. The ab crunch machine mimics the motion of traditional crunches on the floor with the benefit of added weight and less stress on your neck and lower back. Select your weight and sit in the seat with your feet hooked under the pads and your hands gripping the handles above you. Bring your knees and elbows together while contracting your abs, hold briefly and return to the starting position. Adjust your weight as necessary. Most ab crunch machines target your main abdominal muscles and cannot be adjusted to hit obliques.
Overhead Cable Side Bends
Perform overhead cable side bends by attaching the rope to the cable crossover machine and positioning the handle at the highest setting. Stand 2 to 3 feet from the weight stack with the rope in both hands. Hold the rope above your head without locking your elbows and bend at the waist towards the weight stack to start. Slowly straighten and bend away from the machine while exhaling. Hold the position for a few seconds and return to the starting position. Side bends hit your obliques to slim your waist. The straighter you hold your arms, the more you will feel this exercise in your stomach.
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