Having loose stomach skin is a non-painful, non-life-threatening reminder of a large achievement--extreme weight loss. Although this excess skin is nearly impossible to eliminate without surgery, you can certainly reduce it by working your abdominal muscles. By increasing muscle tone, your skin will become more taut. To get a maximal amount of muscle recruitment, use added resistance, and target all areas of your stomach.
Hanging Knee Raises
Hanging knee raises work your lower abs. They are performed with a pull-up bar. Fasten ankle weights to your lower legs just above your ankles, and grasp the bar with an overhand, shoulder-width grip. In a steady motion, pull your knees up to your chest, and squeeze your abs forcefully. Slowly lower and repeat for 12 to 15 repetitions. When doing these exercises, keep your upper body still.
Incline Push Crunches
Incline push crunches place the most emphasis on your lower abs. To do these, you need a barbell and decline bench or slant board. Lie face-up on the bench with your lower shins hooked under the padded support brace. The barbell should be held straight above you, and your hands should remain shoulder-width apart. In a steady motion, lift your shoulders off the bench, push the bar straight towards the sky, and squeeze your abs forcefully for a second. Slowly lower and repeat 12 to 15 times.
Side Bends
Side bends work your obliques, which are found on the sides of your ribcage. You will need a dumbbell to do these. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and hold the dumbbell in your left hand. After placing your right hand on your hip or the side of your head, bend laterally to your left as you lower the weight toward the floor. Slowly come back to an upright position and repeat. After doing 12 to 15 reps, switch sides.
Bicycle Crunches
Bicycle crunches work your lower abs, upper abs and obliques simultaneously. Strap the ankle weights on, lie on your back with your hands placed on the sides of your head, and lift your shoulders off the floor. Once in this position, lift your legs, bend your knees 90 degrees, and level your shins to the floor. In a steady motion, move your right elbow and left knee toward each other as your extend your right leg out straight. Quickly shift your direction, and move your left elbow and right knee toward each other while fully extending your left leg. Continue going back and forth until you've done 12 to 15 repetitions.
Jack Knife
Jack knife maneuvers work your upper and lower abs. To get more effect from this exercise, strap on ankle weights, and hold dumbbells in your hands. Lie on your back with your legs straight, arms at your sides and the weights held in your hands. In a steady motion, lift your shoulders and legs of the floor, tuck your knees into your chest, and move your arms to the outsides of your lower legs. After holding for a second, lower and repeat 12 to 15 times.
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