Busy moms often get much of their exercise on the go--chasing after fast-moving toddlers or hoisting a growing baby out of a baby car seat. As physically active as mothers are, they can benefit from basic ab exercises that will give them core abdominal strength to protect them from low back strain. Do upper, lower and side abdominal muscles to create muscular symmetry that will keep your posture tall and not stooped.
Work the Lower Abs
Work on the lower abdominals, transversus abdominis, located at the lowest part of the belly by lying flat on your back on a yoga mat or thick towel. Place your palms flat under your hips to protect the low back. Extend both legs to straight so the ankles are above your hips--your body forms a large "L" shape. Draw the lower abs in toward the spine as you lower one leg with control to the floor without touching it and bring it back to the starting position. Repeat to the other side. Do 10 rounds each side.
Modified Crunch
Do a variation of a crunch that will protect your neck and also work the upper abdominal muscles, rectus abdominis. Lying flat on your back, bend your knees, setting both feet flat so your knees are directly over the ankles. Place one hand behind the neck to support it. Place the other hand on the top of one thigh. Draw the lower belly in and curl up, from the bottom of the abs to the top, as your hand moves up the thigh to reach your knee. Slowly roll your upper back, shoulders and low back down. Do 10 to 12 rounds.
Work the Obliques
Finish your effective ab workout by working the obliques by lying on your side, bending your knees and stacking your legs. Lie so that your upper body is also stiff and straight: cross both arms over your chest and slowly curl up away from the floor and slowly lower back down. Do 10 rounds on one side before repeating to the other side. If your neck is sensitive, place one hand behind it to give it more support. This ab exercises works the oblique abdominal muscles that turn or twist the trunk. Rest.
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